“Wyoming is America’s energy breadbasket. We are no longer utterly dependent on the Middle East for energy, as we were in the past. This is because of Republican policies to unleash American energy. America is now the number one producer of oil in the world.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today spoke about how American energy dominance will help bring back down the price of energy.
Senator Barrasso also called on the Senate to pass his bill, the Pay Less at the Pump Act, which repeals the $12 billion “superfund tax” that Democrats enacted in 2022.
Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.
Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:
“After 47 years of terrorism, torture, and tyranny, Iran’s murderous leadership is dead. Iran’s missiles, launchers, and production sites are severely damaged. Since the start of the operation, missile attacks from Iran have gone down by 90 percent. More than fifty of Iran’s warships have been sunk.
“For decades, American presidents have pledged Iran would never acquire a nuclear weapon. President Trump kept that promise. The President acted boldly and decisively where others hesitated. The President’s courage and commitment ensure Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons. This is American peace through strength.
“Iran is a terrorist regime. That is why, today, Iran is terrorizing the world by trying to hold the world’s energy supply hostage. The regime is attempting to choke off the shipping of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. In recent days, Iran has attacked oil and gas facilities across the region. Iran has also targeted oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Remember, twenty percent of the world’s oil supply goes through the Strait of Hormuz.
“I understand why families are worried about the price of energy. I was with Wyoming ranchers this weekend. We were at the Green River Valley Stockgrowers Association in Big Piney, Wyoming. When the price of gasoline goes up, it is a concern to everyone. Not just for fuel but also for food. That is because it costs more to produce the food when energy prices are higher.
“Republicans are taking action to help lessen the pain. Fortunately, America is once again energy dominant. Wyoming is America’s energy breadbasket. We are no longer utterly dependent on the Middle East for energy, as we were in the past. This is because of Republican policies to unleash American energy. America is now the number one producer of oil in the world. We are setting record numbers for production – almost 14 million barrels of oil per day. That is more than double what we produced 15 years ago.
“With respect to what is happening in the Persian Gulf, there is no question prices are up. Republicans are working to bring gas prices back down quickly. We are in a strong position to do so because of our energy dominance agenda.
“At the same time, President Trump is determined to get energy flowing again in the Middle East. The President announced the United States will provide risk insurance to oil tankers in the region. He also announced the United States Navy will escort cargo ships if necessary. That is similar to what President Ronald Reagan did in the 1980s. It worked then. It will work now. The President’s dynamic actions will get prices back down.
“The real loser with what is happening in Iran right now is Communist China. China is one of Iran’s biggest allies and enablers. It buys most of Iran’s oil exports. It buys that oil at a discount because it is buying it on the black market. Iran in turn uses that money to buy Chinese air defense systems and other weapons. These are the very weapons our military has been destroying the last week.
“Operation Epic Fury is more than just a success against the world’s number one state sponsor of terrorism. It is a significant setback for our number one adversary in the world. President Trump is completely rewriting the global energy map in America’s favor. Our nation needs to continue to produce more energy. That means oil and natural gas. It means coal. It means uranium for nuclear power. Affordable, available, reliable American energy is the source of American strength, safety, and prosperity.
“In the meantime, Congress should take action to lower gas prices for American families. My bill, the Pay Less at the Pump Act, does exactly that. My legislation repeals the harmful ‘superfund tax’ on crude oil. Democrats buried this $12 billion tax in their 2022 reckless tax and spend bill. Working families have been paying the price ever since. My bill would lower prices at the pump and lead to more American energy production. It’s good for Wyoming, good for working families, and good for our entire country.
“Republicans promised to make America safer and more prosperous. We are going to continue doing both of those things.”
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