Legislative Actions:

• I introduced landmark legislation to create a complete regulatory framework for digital assets called the Responsible Financial Innovation Act. This bill encourages responsible financial innovation, flexibility, transparency, and robust consumer protections while integrating digital assets into existing laws.
  
  • Wyoming has built the foundation to benefit greatly from a budding digital asset industry. We were the first state in the nation to create any sort of comprehensive framework for digital assets. I’m trying to bring that success to the federal level.
• I cosponsored Senator Jim Inhofe’s (R-OK) Keep Communities Safe Act which would prevent DHS from having to release known dangerous criminals into the interior of our country if they are deemed to pose a threat to the safety and security of the United States.
  
  • Wyoming citizens have the right to live in safe communities without worrying that DHS might release known criminal aliens into the country without any accountability.
• I cosigned Senator John Barrasso’s (R-WY) letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on rescinding the Public Health Emergency and the waivers for Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
  
  • The Biden Administration has been slowly unwinding specific policies, such as Title 42, the Public Health Emergency at our borders, while keeping up the regulations that they like. This inconsistent application of rules and regulations makes it more difficult for local government officials and individuals to make sure they are following the law.

Committee Hearings:

• Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW)
  
  • I questioned an EPW nominee panel about the future of nuclear energy regulations in a hearing titled, “Hearing on the Nominations of Annie Caputo and Bradley R. Crowell to be Commissioner of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.” To watch the hearing, click here.

Major Votes:

• H.R. 3967 the Honoring our PACT Act of 2021, Cloture invoked on the Motion to Proceed
  
• Opposed
  • I voted against proceeding to a vote on the PACT Act. It is critical that we provide care for veterans who were exposed to toxic burn pits during their service. However, I am concerned about some of the illnesses, like high blood pressure, that are currently listed as presumed to be caused by military service. Hypertension is found in 74% of Americans over age 60 regardless of military service, and its inclusion in the bill would cost us more than $37 billion. Inclusion of diseases like this have ballooned the cost of the bill to more than $277 billion. I am hopeful Senator Schumer will allow a robust amendment process to improve this important legislation.

I have heard from many people across Wyoming about how long it is taking to get tax refunds back from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). I signed onto a letter with my colleagues in both the House of Representatives and the Senate calling on the IRS to address ongoing processing delays. This is a situation that my team is currently monitoring. In the meantime, if you are experiencing a similar issue, please reach out to one of my offices.

Media:

This week, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and I unveiled our new legislation on digital assets. We appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Yahoo Finance, Neil Cavuto’s Your World, and Washington Post Live together to discuss this bill. I had an interview with NPR about what this legislation looks like and I also joined Charles Payne on Making Money to talk about digital asset legislation and the current dialogue surrounding Second Amendment Rights.

News Around Wyoming:

Wyoming State Forestry talks about the upcoming fire season
Wyoming News Now
Authorities say this year will be a busier fire season than last year. This is from the latest Forestry meeting on Monday, where the U.S. Forestry Services, BLM, and the Wyoming State Forestry Division were in attendance.

Stating the multi-department predictive services say, Northeastern Wyoming will be above average in fire potential in June and July and the rest of the state will follow from July to September. ”This year, with the way things are stacking up with the drought and the weather predictions, we’re looking at a pretty significant fire season this year. So we’re looking at a lot more large fires than we’ve had in past years,” said Bill Crapser, State Forester, Wyoming State Forestry Divison.

With $14M, Wyo. prepares to consider outdoor rec proposals
Jackson Hole News & Guide
With more than $14 million in federal stimulus and other monies earmarked for outdoor recreation, Wyoming is preparing to accept grant proposals for trail reroutes, new campsites, boat ramps and more.

The State Parks and Cultural Resources Department will oversee the work of reviewing applications and doling out funds. The flood of cash could have lasting economic impacts as it helps build out infrastructure ranging from trailhead parking lots to campground expansions, Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Office Manager Patrick Harrington said. There is a lot of energy in the state for building outdoor recreation products, he said, both for the economic benefit and to handle growing visitation.

Marine From Buffalo Killed In Osprey Crash Near California-Arizona Border
Cowboy State Daily
A U.S. Marine from Buffalo was one of five Marines killed Wednesday when an Osprey helicopter crashed in the desert near the border between California and Arizona, the U.S. Marine Corps announced on Thursday.

U.S. Sen. John Barrasso confirmed the death of Seth Rasmuson on Thursday evening in a press release. “We are deeply saddened to learn today about the death of one of Wyoming’s U.S. Marines, Seth Rasmuson,” Barrasso said. “There is certainly more to learn about what happened yesterday, and much more we need to hear about his life and service to our country. Today, we mourn this tragic loss. Bobbi and I are holding Seth and his family in our prayers,” the senator said. U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis echoed Barrasso’s sentiments.