I first met Charlie Kirk a few years ago in Sheridan. He was a young conservative, and I was impressed by his ability to connect with students and foster a healthy environment to openly disagree and debate ideas. Charlie started a movement for young people that has transcended every college, community, and state, engaging students and new voters in a way older conservatives, like me, would never be able to do. The right to openly debate and discuss opposing views is a cornerstone of the United States. The Constitution protects our freedom of speech without fear of persecution, yet Charlie Kirk, a devout Christian and one of the only prominent Americans encouraging peaceful open discourse, was assassinated on a college campus where debate should be not just welcomed but celebrated.

This is a heavy day for all Americans as we understand what this means for our nation. Political violence is never the answer; it cannot be. We cannot allow our beautiful country to descend into chaos and devolve into hatred. Just as Charlie’s mission reflects, this moment must be a turning point where Americans choose peaceful debate over tribalism. Where love and respect for our neighbors overcomes vilifying our fellow citizens.

My heart breaks for Charlie’s wife and the two small children he leaves behind, but he is home with Jesus Christ. While we mourn the loss of his presence on Earth, we rejoice that he is with our Savior. We have much to carry forward to protect the legacy he started, and we must courageously defend our joyous, conservative values. We have a responsibility to teach young citizens how to disagree civilly, peacefully, clearly, and with common sense. Freedom of speech is at the heart of what it means to be an American, and just as Charlie Kirk championed, America will not win by labeling the other side as “evil,” but by fostering substantive discussions.

Where we go from here will impact the sanctity of our grandchildren and their children. We cannot allow our country, the leader of the free world, to lead in hate. Members of other political parties are not our enemies, but our fellow Americans. We must love one another as God commanded and pray for our nation’s peace, healing, and prosperity. John 13:34.

Happy Trails,

It was wonderful to see Denton Knapp from Wyoming’s Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Cowboy State is home to tens of thousands of veterans, and I continue to work with my colleagues and the Trump administration to make quality care accessible for those who served our country.

I had a great time with Cheyenne East FFA students during their visit to the Capitol. Agriculture and career trades play pivotal roles in Wyoming's economy, and it is so exciting to see how FFA helps students invest in their futures. Thanks for stopping by!

It was a pleasure to meet with Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. Family farmers and ranchers are at the heart of Wyoming, and while much has been done, we have more to do. An on-the-ground perspective is always helpful to ensure Washington is working for western family farmers and ranchers.

I celebrated my 71^st birthday this week with my fabulous team. Thank you to everyone who sent me birthday wishes!

I joined my Republican colleagues Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Ted Budd (R-NC) in filing an amicus curiae brief in First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. Platkin before the U.S. Supreme Court. The brief defends First Choice, which was subjected to a baseless subpoena that infringed on its First Amendment right to association because of its pro-life, pro-Christian views. First Choice was unfairly targeted for defending the unborn with an outrageous subpoena, demanding a list of their donors and private records, or risk judicial sanctions. This is not just an infringement of constitutional rights, this is an unmistakable assault on life. I am proud to join my colleagues in defending First Choice’s sacred mission to protect mothers and unborn children.

As Senate Western Caucus chair, I applaud Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and the Trump administration for investing in five new forest health projects nationwide to reduce wildfire risk, protect water quality, and expand domestic timber production. For too long, we’ve watched our forests deteriorate under failed Democrat policies that prioritized environmental extremism over common-sense management, leaving Wyoming and western communities vulnerable to wildfires. The Trump administration’s approach is different and will protect our forests and prevent future wildfires through active management while also supporting good-paying jobs. I’m pleased to have leadership that understands that healthy forests require human stewardship, not neglect.

I teamed up with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) to reintroduce the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act, bipartisan legislation that would formally establish the Office of Mountains, Deserts and Plains within the Environmental Protection Agency. The Government Accountability Office estimated there are approximately 140,000 abandoned hardrock mines in the United States, largely in the western United States. Unsecured mine tunnels, toxic waste piles, and other hazards, known as mine features, are found at abandoned hardrock mines across federal and nonfederal lands. To address these issues and keep our communities safe, the first Trump administration created the Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains (OMPD) in 2020 at the EPA to serve as a central clearing house and coordinating entity to handle western-specific issues in the western U.S. Specifically, the office was tasked with bringing some semblance of order and coordination to cleaning up abandoned hardrock mines. Protecting Wyoming and the west’s treasured landscapes requires moving beyond Washington’s typical one-size-fits-all mentality. We need region-specific strategies that respect our western communities and the unique challenges we face. I’m pleased to again work with Senator Kelly to give this important office permanent standing so it can build meaningful partnerships with states, tribes, and local stakeholders.

Congratulations to Laurie Boner, Wyoming’s new State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency. Laurie brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across our state. She represents the very best of Wyoming agriculture and has spent her career championing western policies and values. Her commitment and pride for the Cowboy State will no doubt serve her well in this important role. Once again, congratulations to Laurie on this well-deserved appointment.