The people of Wyoming do not rely on electric vehicles—that is not politics, that is just fact. We rank second only to North Dakota for the lowest EV adoption in the nation. With our cold winters, long distances, and rugged terrain, electric vehicles simply do not suit the Wyoming way of life.

That is why I am proud to introduce the Highway Funding Flexibility Act—commonsense legislation that reclaims billions in federal dollars originally earmarked for Green New Deal EV programs. The Biden administration set aside $7.5 billion for charging and fueling stations we do not need. This bill redirects those funds toward projects that actually serve our state: highway construction, wildlife crossings, bridge repair, and more.

We are putting decisions back in the hands of the people who know Wyoming best—not Washington bureaucrats. The Highway Funding Flexibility Act ensures that our infrastructure investments reflect our values and needs and spends your hard-earned taxpayer dollars responsibly.

Remembering Senator Al Simpson

This month, I joined the entire state in mourning the passing of our beloved Senator Al Simpson. He was larger than life, and a dedicated statesman who spent his life serving others. Senator Simpson tirelessly advocated for the state of Wyoming, fighting to ensure every corner of our state was not only a great place to work but a great place to make a home and raise a family. He truly was a proud son of Cody, Wyoming. Coming from an early pioneer family, Al never forgot his ancestors and the people who came before him nor the work that must be done to create a better tomorrow for the next generation. Please join me in keeping Senator Simpson’s family in our thoughts and prayers.

Happy Trails,

I had another great Wyoming Wednesday with Senator Barrasso, Representative Hageman, and Governor Gordon! There is no better way to start my day than with friends across the Cowboy State.

I joined Senator Barrasso in introducing Brian Nesvik, a Wyoming native and President Trump’s nominee for Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Brian was a boots-on-the-ground game warden, and that’s exactly the kind of person I want in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Congressional Awards are a deep Wyoming tradition that has gone on to impact countless hardworking students across America. I had the honor of celebrating Chairman Paxton Baker as he concludes his tenure and celebrate Shawn Whitman as he takes the reins. The Congressional Awards hold such a special place in my heart, and I want to thank Chairman Baker for his years of dedicated service.

It has been a busy work period here in Washington! I introduced the Highway Funding Flexibility Act to free up money stuck in accounts intended to fund Biden’s radical EV charger initiative. These funds would then be directed to pay for projects critical for travel and commerce throughout Wyoming. For far too long, the people of Wyoming were forced to endure Biden’s radical EV mandates that dedicated their hard-earned tax dollars toward Green New Deal initiatives that do not effectively serve the state of Wyoming. Under the Biden administration, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided billions to fund electric vehicle initiatives and projects, totalling to a $7.5 billion price tag. In February, President Trump paused this ill-conceived program, giving Congress the ability to redirect appropriated funds stuck in the accounts. My legislation frees up these funds to address Wyoming’s actual transportation needs without adding to the national debt, rather than forcing Biden-era EV mandates on the Cowboy State.

I also introduced the Protecting Access to Recreation with Cash (PARC) Act, requiring National Park Service (NPS) units to accept cash as a form of payment for entrance fees. Currently, NPS allows each park to decide if it will accept cash, barring visitors who prefer or rely on cash payments from exploring national parks out west. The beauty of our nation’s parks should be open to all visitors, not just those with credit or debit cards. Wyoming takes immense pride in our state’s natural treasures, and accepting cash payments allows people from the Cowboy State and around the world access to our indescribable landscapes. I’m proud to lead the charge to make our National Parks accessible to everyone.

Congratulations to University of Wyoming Cowgirl Allyson Fertig on being named the Mountain West Player of the Year! Allyson led the conference with 19.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 59% from the field and averaging 2.1 blocks per contest. She becomes the first player in Mountain West history to lead in scoring, rebounding, field goal percentage, and blocks in a single season. Allyson is the fourth Cowgirl to receive this honor, joining legends Aubrey Vandiver, Liv Roberts, and Amy Burnett. Allyson, all of Wyoming is behind you—keep making the Cowboy State proud!

Photo courtesy University of Wyoming Athletics.