The people of Wyoming have been plagued with unreliable and scarce connectivity for decades. Ensuring people in the most rural corners of the Cowboy State have broadband access has been one of my top priorities, and the Biden-Harris administration has neglected this necessity for four years. I am proud to say after a long-fought battle, I secured funding for Rip and Replace, the program that replaces Chinese components with secure equipment in wireless communication systems, in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.

Securing this funding ensures the Cowboy State not only stays connected but protects the people of Wyoming from foreign interference when having private phone conversations with family and friends. Rip and Replace will be fully funded so small providers in Wyoming will not be saddled with millions of dollars in costs that could result in service blackouts and companies closing down.

Rip and Replace funding is a huge win for Wyoming. I know how special it is to call or video chat long-distance family and friends, it is how I stay connected with my grandchildren no matter where I may be! I am thrilled that we will have the funds to bring safe internet connectivity throughout Wyoming.

Happy Trails,

I spent my weekend in Las Vegas to cheer on Team Wyoming as they competed at the National Finals Rodeo!  It was a joy to attend the 2024 Salute to Team Wyoming breakfast on Friday morning. The rodeo is a hallmark of the Wyoming way of life, and I could not be  prouder of Team Wyoming!

It was a busy week on Capitol Hill! I loved catching up with my dear friend and the nominee for Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy! I have no doubt he will do right by Wyoming and the rest of the United States by eliminating radical EV mandates and greatly improve our national transportation infrastructure.

Scott Bessent will be a champion for digital assets and a crucial ally in passing my Strategic Bitcoin Reserve legislation. I look forward to working closely with the future Treasury Secretary to restore fiscal responsibility!

I always love speaking with the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association! Ranchers and farmers in the Cowboy State have faced so many hurdles under the Biden administration, and I look forward to revitalizing agriculture in the Cowboy State under President Trump.

I had a great meeting with Rep. Elise Stefanik to discuss America’s global role in the upcoming administration. President Trump did a service to America and the world with choosing Rep. Stefanik as ambassador to the U.N. She will advocate for American dominance and make our country strong again.

I also spoke with my friend and former colleague, Doug Collins! Agency mismanagement and lack of veteran resources have crippled Wyoming veterans, and I look forward to working with Rep. Collins to ensure efficient and responsible care for all veterans in the Cowboy State. 

I had the honor of speaking at the Competitive Enterprise Institute’s discussion on financial system weaponization. I look forward to restoring American trust in financial institutions under President Trump.

On Thursday, I hosted one of my favorite events of the season, the annual Enzi Holiday Cookie Party! This tradition started more than two decades ago with the late Senator Mike Enzi to show our gratitude for the staff that keep Capitol Hill running every day.

This week, the Senate and the House passed bipartisan legislation that will provide greater support for the Colorado River Basin water users and local governments in Wyoming working to reduce the salt load in the river. The Colorado River is a major source of water for Wyoming residents and businesses, and reducing its salinity is key to ensuring Wyoming continues to have access to clean and usable water. Nearly 40 million people across seven states, including the Cowboy State, and more than 30 Tribes rely on water from the Colorado River. However, naturally occurring salinity affects our ability to harness this water source for agricultural, municipal and industrial water users. I’m glad we were able to pass the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Fix Act.  This bill will support ongoing efforts to keep water from the Colorado River safe for communities, farmers and ranchers, and water users throughout the Cowboy State.

The U.S. Department of Transportation offers grants for up to $100 million on a competitive basis for projects that seek to achieve a reduction in the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity for species on land and in the water. Applications for FY 2026 funding are due August 1, 2025. For more information, please click here.

This past weekend, Team Wyoming began the two-week long competition at the Nationals Final Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is clear Team Wyoming has the best fanbase, and our cowboys are the most talented in the nation. Our riders are on a winning streak, with strong showings by first time NFR saddle bronc qualifier Brody Wells and bareback rider Cole Reiner, along with the rest of Team Wyoming. There’s a reason we’re known as the Cowboy State! Best of luck throughout the competition!