Wyoming
State Senators:
John Barrasso (R)
Term Start: June 25, 2007
Full Name: John Anthony Barrasso III
Date of Birth: July 21, 1952
Birthplace: Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Early Life and Education: John Barrasso was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. He attended Georgetown University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1974, followed by a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1978.
Personal Life: John Barrasso is married to Bobbi Brown, and they have three children. The family resides in Casper, Wyoming. Known for his dedication to public service and his pragmatic approach to governance, Barrasso continues to work towards policies that promote economic growth, energy independence, and the well-being of his constituents.
Early Career: After completing his medical degree, Barrasso moved to Wyoming, where he began his career as an orthopedic surgeon in private practice for over two decades. He served as Chief of Staff at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper and was actively involved in various medical organizations. Barrasso gained a reputation as a dedicated physician and community leader, contributing to numerous healthcare initiatives and public health programs in Wyoming.
Political Career:
- Wyoming State Senate: Barrasso began his political career in the Wyoming State Senate, where he served from 2002 until 2007. During his tenure, he focused on healthcare, education, and economic development. Barrasso’s experience as a physician informed his legislative work, particularly in healthcare policy.
- U.S. Senate: In 2007, Barrasso was appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Senator Craig Thomas. He was subsequently elected in a special election in 2008 and re-elected in 2012 and 2018. As a senator, Barrasso has focused on issues such as energy policy, healthcare, and public lands. He is known for his strong conservative stance and commitment to representing the interests of Wyoming.
Committee Assignments:
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (Ranking)
- Committee on Finance
- Committee on Foreign Relations
Legislative Achievements:
- Healthcare: Barrasso, leveraging his medical background, has been a strong advocate for healthcare reform. He supports market-based healthcare solutions, increased access to health savings accounts (HSAs), and reforms aimed at reducing healthcare costs.
- Energy and Environment: As a representative of an energy-producing state, Barrasso supports an all-of-the-above energy policy. He advocates for the development of fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and nuclear energy. He has also worked on legislation to streamline energy regulations and promote energy independence.
- Infrastructure: Barrasso has focused on improving the nation’s infrastructure. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, he supported legislation to fund the construction and maintenance of highways, bridges, and water systems.
- Economic Policies: Barrasso supports policies that promote economic growth and job creation. He advocates for tax cuts, deregulation, and measures to support small businesses and rural communities.
- National Security: Barrasso supports strong national defense policies. He advocates for robust defense spending, improved cybersecurity measures, and a firm stance on foreign policy issues, particularly those involving adversaries like China and Russia.
Senator Barrasso is known for his dedication to healthcare reform, energy development, infrastructure improvement, economic growth, and national security. His background in medicine and public service, along with his extensive experience in the Wyoming State Senate and U.S. Senate, shape his legislative priorities. He continues to advocate for policies that benefit Wyoming and the nation.
Committees
Energy and Natural Resources: Committee plays a role in shaping national policies related to energy security, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Finance: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the economic direction of a country or region by influencing fiscal and monetary policies that impact individuals, businesses, and governments.
Foreign Relations: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, providing a check on the executive branch’s conduct of international relations, and ensuring that America’s global engagements reflect the values and interests of its citizens.
Voting patterns
Senator Barrasso has a voting record that reflects his commitment to conservative principles, healthcare reform, energy development, infrastructure improvement, economic growth, and national security.
Key Voting Patterns:
Healthcare:
- Affordable Care Act (ACA): Barrasso is a critic of the ACA and has consistently voted to repeal and replace it. He supports market-based healthcare reforms that increase competition, reduce costs, and improve access to care.
- Healthcare Reform: Barrasso advocates for increasing the availability and use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), reducing healthcare regulations, and promoting patient-centered care.
Energy and Environment:
- All-of-the-Above Energy Policy: Barrasso supports a comprehensive energy policy that includes the development of fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and nuclear energy. He advocates for energy independence and the continued use of coal and natural gas.
- Environmental Regulations: Barrasso has a mixed record on environmental issues. He supports reducing regulatory burdens on the energy industry and has voted against measures he believes would harm economic growth, but he also supports conservation efforts and some environmental protections.
Economic Policies:
- Tax Cuts: Barrasso supported the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” of 2017, which aimed to lower taxes for individuals and businesses to stimulate economic growth. He advocates for a simplified tax code and lower taxes to promote economic development.
- Deregulation: Barrasso is a strong advocate for reducing regulations on businesses. He supports measures that streamline federal regulations and make it easier for businesses to operate and grow, particularly in rural and energy-producing areas.
Infrastructure:
- Infrastructure Investment: Barrasso supports significant investments in infrastructure to promote economic growth. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, he worked on legislation to fund the construction and maintenance of highways, bridges, and water systems.
- Rural Development: Barrasso advocates for policies that support infrastructure development in rural communities, including expanding broadband access and improving transportation networks.
National Security:
- Defense Spending: Barrasso supports robust defense spending to ensure military readiness and enhance national security. He has voted for the “National Defense Authorization Act” to support defense initiatives.
- Foreign Policy: Barrasso advocates for a firm stance on foreign policy issues, particularly those involving adversaries like China and Russia. He supports measures to strengthen national security and combat global threats.
Social Issues:
- Gun Rights: Barrasso is a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights. He has consistently voted against measures that would impose additional restrictions on gun ownership.
- Abortion: Barrasso identifies as pro-life and has supported restrictions on abortion. He has voted for measures to defund organizations that provide abortion services and supports legislation that protects the rights of the unborn.
Senator Barrasso’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues prioritizes economic growth and energy independence while supporting the development of renewable energy sources.
Full Name: Cynthia Marie Lummis Wiederspahn
Date of Birth: September 10, 1954
Birthplace: Cheyenne, Wyoming, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Cynthia Lummis was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, into a ranching family with deep roots in the state. She grew up working on the family ranch, which instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for Wyoming’s agricultural heritage. Lummis attended Cheyenne East High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Wyoming in 1976. She also earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1985.
Personal Life: Cynthia Lummis was married to Alvin Wiederspahn, a former Wyoming state legislator, until his passing in 2014. They have one daughter. Lummis resides in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Known for her dedication to conservative values and her pragmatic approach to governance, Lummis continues to work towards policies that promote economic prosperity, security, and individual freedom.
Early Career: After completing her education, Lummis began her career in public service. She worked as a law clerk for the Wyoming Supreme Court and later served as general counsel for the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments. Her experience in law and land management provided her with valuable insights into the legal and regulatory issues affecting Wyoming.
Cynthia Lummis (R)
Term Start: January 3, 2021
Political Career:
- Wyoming House of Representatives: Elected in 1978, Lummis served in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1979 to 1983 and again from 1985 to 1993. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as education, agriculture, and natural resources.
- Wyoming State Treasurer: Elected in 1998, Lummis served as the Wyoming State Treasurer from 1999 to 2007. She managed the state’s finances and investments, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and transparency.
- U.S. House of Representatives: In 2008, Lummis was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Wyoming’s at-large congressional district. She served four terms from 2009 to 2017. In the House, Lummis focused on issues such as energy policy, federal land management, and fiscal conservatism. She was a member of the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
- U.S. Senate: In 2020, Lummis was elected to the U.S. Senate, succeeding retiring Senator Mike Enzi. She took office on January 3, 2021. As a senator, Lummis has focused on issues such as energy independence, federal land management, and fiscal responsibility. She is known for her strong conservative stance and commitment to representing Wyoming’s interests.
Committee Assignments:
- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Committee on Environment and Public Works
Legislative Achievements:
- Fiscal Responsibility: Lummis is a strong advocate for reducing the national debt and balancing the federal budget. She supports measures to curb government spending and implement fiscal restraint.
- Energy Policy: Representing an energy-producing state, Lummis supports an all-of-the-above energy policy. She advocates for the development of fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and nuclear energy. She has worked on legislation to streamline energy regulations and promote energy independence.
- Regulatory Reform: Lummis is a strong advocate for reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. She has supported legislation aimed at streamlining federal regulations and making it easier for businesses to operate and grow.
- Cryptocurrency and Financial Innovation: Lummis is an advocate for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. She supports policies that foster innovation in the financial sector and ensure that the U.S. remains competitive in emerging technologies.
Senator Lummis is known for her dedication to fiscal responsibility, energy policy, regulatory reform, and financial innovation. Her background in law, ranching, and public service, along with her extensive experience in the Wyoming House of Representatives, U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate, shape her legislative priorities. She continues to advocate for policies that benefit Wyoming and the nation.
Committees
Banking, Housing, and Urban Development: Committee ensures that the banking system is safe, housing is accessible, urban areas are well-developed, and consumers are protected in financial matters.
Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.
Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs.
Voting patterns
Senator Lummis has a voting record that reflects her commitment to conservative principles, fiscal responsibility, regulatory reform, energy development, and financial innovation.
Key Voting Patterns:
Fiscal Responsibility:
- Balanced Budgets: Lummis prioritizes reducing the national debt and balancing the federal budget. She supports measures to curb government spending and implement fiscal restraint.
- Government Spending: Lummis often votes against increases in government spending, advocating for a more limited government and reductions in federal expenditures.
Energy Policy:
- All-of-the-Above Energy Policy: Lummis supports a comprehensive energy policy that includes the development of fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and nuclear energy. She advocates for energy independence and the continued use of coal and natural gas.
- Environmental Regulations: Lummis has a mixed record on environmental issues. While she supports some measures to protect the environment, she also advocates for reducing regulatory burdens on the energy industry to promote economic growth, particularly in Wyoming’s energy sector.
Regulatory Reform:
- Reducing Regulations: Lummis is a strong advocate for reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. She has supported legislation aimed at streamlining federal regulations and making it easier for businesses to operate and grow.
- Deregulation Efforts: Lummis often votes to roll back regulations that she believes hinder economic growth and job creation, particularly those affecting the energy and financial sectors.
Financial Innovation:
- Cryptocurrency and Blockchain: Lummis is an advocate for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. She supports policies that foster innovation in the financial sector and ensure that the U.S. remains competitive in emerging technologies.
- Financial Regulations: Lummis supports reducing regulatory burdens on the financial industry to promote innovation and economic growth.
Healthcare:
- Affordable Care Act (ACA): Lummis is a critic of the ACA and has voted to repeal and replace it. She advocates for market-based healthcare reforms that increase competition and reduce costs.
- Healthcare Reform: Lummis supports measures that promote health savings accounts (HSAs) and increase transparency in healthcare pricing to empower consumers.
Social Issues:
- Gun Rights: Lummis is a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights. She has consistently voted against measures that would impose additional restrictions on gun ownership.
- Abortion: Lummis identifies as pro-life and has supported restrictions on abortion. She has voted for measures to defund organizations that provide abortion services and supports legislation that protects the rights of the unborn.
Senator Lummis’s voting record reflects her commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. Her stance on environmental issues prioritizes economic growth and energy independence while supporting the development of renewable energy sources.