John Barrasso

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, the American people deserve to have more money in their own pockets. The Working Families Tax Cut law made that happen. Republicans stopped the largest single tax increase in American history. That is what the Democrats wanted. Americans already filed their taxes this year, and working families are keeping more of what they earned, and the data proves it. More than 7\1/2\ million Americans benefited from the no-tax-on-tips policy that we put into place right here on this Senate floor. So today, there are waiters, barbers, bartenders, tour guides--all were able to claim deductions--and it averaged over $7,100 in deductions-- because of no tax on tips. More than 29 million Americans benefited from no tax on overtime. These are firefighters, police officers, and nurses. They are linemen and coal miners in Wyoming. They claimed an average deduction of over $3,000--all as a result of the law the Republicans have passed. Money that once went to bureaucrats in Washington, DC, now stays in the pockets of hard-working Americans, and that is where it belongs. Had Democrats gotten their way, taxes would have gone up by a lot. Every Democrat in this Chamber voted to continue taxing tip income, overtime income. They just wanted to get a hand on people's money. Every Democrat voted to raise taxes by $4 trillion. Well, because Republicans were in the majority in the Senate and in the House, we were able to stop this Democrat price increase and tax increase. Now what we see is that extremist Democrats in Governor mansions across the country and State legislatures are trying to undermine the Working Families Tax Cut law, and they are doing it in city halls and in State capitals. In Washington, DC--right here--the city council tried to force hard- working Americans to pay taxes to the city. They can't force them to pay it to the Federal Government; hey, the city wants the money on tips and on overtime. The city council of Washington, DC, refused to allow the hard-working waiters, bartenders, police officers, and firefighters to keep that hard-earned money. They didn't have to pay it on Federal taxes, but local taxes in DC--the DC city council said: Give it to us. This is the city that is soon going to get a socialist mayor, just like they have in New York City right now. Right now, in 21 different States, we have far-left Governors refusing to allow the tax cuts that we passed to be passed down to the State level. So Democrats in California, in New York, in Minnesota, Illinois, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Virginia continue to take away people's tip money and overtime money so they can spend it locally. That is the States and the cities, not the people, the individuals. So just like Democrats here in Congress, the leaders in Democrat States around the country want to raise taxes, not cut them. They believe they can spend your money better than you can. They believe they make better decisions than you do. They decide, and you end up as a loser if you are living in one of those liberal States. Well, we know why Democrats refuse to loosen the grip on your tax dollars. Democrats want to take more money out of your pocket to give free healthcare to illegal immigrants. And that is what we see in so many of these States with sanctuary cities, sanctuary States--free healthcare. And it is not free. People pay for it. It is taxpayers. It is people going to work every day and having their tax dollars taken to pay for healthcare for illegal immigrants. That seems to be part of the manifesto that the extremists in the Democrat Party are trying to slam down the throats of American taxpayers. We know these extremists are winning Democrat primaries all across the country. Their manifesto includes mass amnesty, open borders, and elimination of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the country. That is what they are demanding, and it is not for the benefit of the American people. That is the agenda of the radical left. In far-left States, from California to Minnesota, we have seen their policies in action. Working families are overtaxed, and fraud is out of control. Now Democrats are going to make life less affordable. That is what we see. That is their model. Take it to the government; they know better than we do as taxpayers. That is not what the American people want. Here is what Republicans are doing: We are protecting taxpayers. We are putting more money back in their pockets so they can decide how to spend it, how to save it, and what to invest in. We are fighting the fraud. And that is what I hear about so much in Wyoming--the fraud in Democrat States that Democrats ignore, that Democrats enable. It is awful fraud. You look at it and say: How can this continue? Just this week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that we stopped nearly $100 million in taxpayer money from going to dead people--going to dead people. Just yesterday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services stopped more than $1 billion in Medicaid funding from going to California and Minnesota. Why? Because of fraud and failure to comply with the regulations to make sure that the money is actually not wasted, that the money is spent as it is supposed to be--taking care of people who need those services, and there are people who need those services. Every time a fraudster takes $1 or $100 or $1,000 or $1 million, that is services that don't go to people that need them, desperately need them. Here in the Senate, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa is a leader in the war on fraud. When it comes to exposing that fraud, Senator Ernst is both a watchdog and an attack dog. She has proposed a comprehensive anti-fraud piece of legislation. Her bill cracks down on fraud. It claws back stolen money. It prosecutes the crooks and the criminals and the scammers who prey upon the taxpayers. I support what Senator Ernst is doing. I am a cosponsor. Her anti-fraud legislation would save taxpayers $240 billion. That is what kind of fraud is out there. Senator Schumer recently said on this very floor that Democrats want to fight corruption. It is time for Democrats to prove it. Republicans are cutting taxes. We are stopping fraud. Democrats, on the other hand, are voting to raise taxes and, up until now, have been protecting the fraud. I yield the floor.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Budd), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski), and the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Budd), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski), and the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. Tillis).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell) and the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell) and the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell) and the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, the American people deserve a government that is fully funded. Last week, the minority leader claimed on this floor that he wants to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. It is time for him to prove it. His record shows just the opposite. The appropriations bills have historically passed with bipartisan votes. Yet when Senator Schumer was majority leader during the Biden years, he blocked every single appropriations bill from coming to this floor. Eleven bipartisan appropriations bills that passed out of the committees died in that wastebasket there under the desk of Senator Schumer. When Democrats were in the majority, they literally shut down the entire appropriations process. After the Democrats lost the elections in 2024, they revolted, and they shut down the government twice. The two Schumer shutdowns broke records. First, in October 2025, Democrats shut down the entire Federal Government. It lasted 43 days--the longest shutdown in the history of our Nation. During the shutdown, Senator Schumer infamously said: Every day gets better for us. Every day didn't get better for the American people all across the country. Federal workers missed paychecks, and there was a huge shutdown of TSA. People missed flights. There were long lines waiting to get to the airports and to get to the flights. Screening lines lasted hours and hours. Then, in February of this year, Democrats did it again. They shut down the Department of Homeland Security, and that shutdown lasted 75 days. The shutdown of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol lasted even longer. Democrats voted to defund Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and they voted to defund our Border Patrol. They want wide-open borders. Democrats vote to protect illegal immigrant criminals but don't seem to care about protecting law-abiding American citizens. Democrats have proven their own willingness to disrupt travel, to delay paychecks, and to endanger our national security, and they will do it when they think it is to their political advantage, not to the advantage of the people of our country. Senator Schumer may have said on the floor that he wants to avoid a shutdown, but his actions signal that Democrats are getting ready to do it again. Just last month, Senator Schumer said shutdowns are, in his words, ``strategic decisions''--``strategic decisions.'' Democrats have already shut down the government twice. A third shutdown would be just as painful for the American people and maybe worse. Democrat shutdowns make life less affordable, and they make our communities less safe. The American people deserve better. Senator Susan Collins, who is the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is working very hard to fix what Senator Schumer has broken. She is working to put bipartisan bills on this floor and is working to keep the government open. This is how the appropriations process was designed to work. House Republicans are soon going to vote on a bill that funds the government until after the elections in November. Here in the Senate, Senator Collins continues to lead with integrity and with intelligence and by working in bipartisanship. She has a long and respected record of working on both sides of the aisle. She has presented good-faith offers to Democrats. Democrats continue to reject them. They demand more spending on things like these fraud-ridden programs that we have read about. They are threatening to stonewall every single appropriations bill again this year. Democrats are trying to avoid a shutdown--so they say. But they are not trying to avoid a shutdown; they are preparing for another one. Here is what another Democrat shutdown would mean to the American people: A Democrat shutdown means longer lines at the airport. A Democrat shutdown means our troops miss paychecks. A Democrat shutdown mean TSA agents miss paychecks. A Democrat shutdown undermines national security. A Democrat shutdown hurts our veterans, and it hurts our seniors. Senator Schumer says he wants to avoid one. Well, time is going to tell. Republicans are focused on funding the government in a serious, timely, and bipartisan way. That is what we are intending to do. We will see if the Democrats are willing to meet us along the way. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer) and the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell).

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Riley for her hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC, office. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Riley is a native of Big Sky, MT. She is attending law school at the Charleston School of Law in South Carolina, where she is entering her final year. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Riley for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her journey.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Lily for her hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC, office. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Lily is a native of Kaycee, WY. Lily is currently enrolled at the University of Wyoming, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science and agricultural communications. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Lily for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her journey.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Wyatt for his hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC, office. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Wyatt is from Pinedale, WY. Wyatt is currently enrolled at Vanderbilt University, where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics and minoring in business. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Wyatt for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Sam for his hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC, office. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Sam was born in Washington, DC, and now lives in McLean, VA. Sam is currently enrolled at Washington and Lee University, where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in European and American history, global politics, and business administration. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Sam for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Macy for her hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC, office. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Macy is a native of Wheatland, WY. Macy is currently enrolled at Montana State University, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in business and military science. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Macy for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her journey.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Charleigh Mellish for her hard work as an intern in my office in Cheyenne, WY. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Charleigh is a native of Cheyenne. She graduated in 2025 from South High School. She is a sophomore at Hastings College, where she plays on the collegiate softball team. After she graduates with majors in philosophy and religion, along with minors in sociology and writing, she hopes to attend law school at the University of Wyoming. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Charleigh for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her journey.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my deep appreciation to Zach for his hard work and dedication as an intern in my Sheridan, WY, office. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Zach is from Sheridan, WY. He recently completed his freshman year at George Mason University where he studied political science. He is currently working with a Navy recruiter for enlistment in the reserves. After completing training, he will serve as a reservist while enrolled at Purdue, studying international affairs and participating in ROTC. His end goal is serving as an officer while on active duty with the U.S. Navy. He has demonstrated an exceptionally strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Zach for the resolute dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Ella for her hard work as an intern in my Washington, DC, office. I recognize her efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Ella is a native of Jackson, WY. Ella is currently enrolled at the University of Southern California, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in law and social justice. She has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made her an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of her work is reflected in her great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Ella for the dedication she has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have her as part of our team. I know she will have continued success with all of her future endeavors. I wish her all my best on her journey.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Wyoming's Crum Electric on its 50th anniversary. This outstanding Wyoming-based business has spent five decades helping power American communities, industries, and economic growth. David H. Crum founded Crum Electric Supply in 1976 in Casper, WY. He grew it into one of the largest independent electrical distributors in the Rocky Mountain region. Since its founding in 1976, Crum Electric has grown from a single location electrical distributor into a trusted partner serving customers at 10 locations across Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and South Dakota. Throughout that journey, the company has remained committed to the values that define American business: hard work, innovation, integrity, and exceptional customer service. David has been a longtime leader in the industry. He served as the National Association of Electrical Distributors Chairman in 1996. He also received the Arthur W. Hooper Award in 2005. It is the association's highest individual honor for service and leadership. In 1999, the University of Wyoming recognized David with its Distinguished Alumni award. In 2024, David announced his retirement after leading the company for nearly 50 years. David's legacy continues with his son Dave, who is now at the helm of Crum Electric as its CEO. Electrical distributors like Crum Electric are often the unsung heroes of our economy. They ensure contractors, manufacturers, utilities, and businesses have the products and expertise needed to build schools, hospitals, factories, energy infrastructure, and the technologies that keep Wyoming and our country moving ahead. As America modernizes its electric grid, expands domestic manufacturing, and invests in new energy technologies, Crum Electric will continue to play an indispensable role in strengthening our Nation's infrastructure and supply chains. Congratulations to the entire Crum Electric team, past and present, on 50 years of excellence. I wish them continued success for many years to come.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Payton Smith for his hard work as an intern in my office in Cheyenne, WY. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. Payton is a native of Cheyenne. He graduated in 2024 from Central High School. He is a senior at Rutgers University, where he is a member of the Rutgers Pre-Law Society and the Conservation Club. After he graduates with a major in political science, along with minors in environmental science and creative writing, he hopes to attend law school and eventually practice environmental law. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. I want to thank Payton for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman), the Senator from Alabama (Mrs. Britt), the Senator from Texas (Mr. Cruz), the Senator from Nebraska (Mrs. Fischer), the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Kennedy), the Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell), the Senator from Florida (Mrs. Moody), the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch), and the Senator from Alabama (Mr. Tuberville). Further, if present and voting: the Senator from Texas (Mr. Cruz) would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Flowers nomination; further, that the Senate recess tomorrow from 12:30 until 2:15 p.m. for the weekly conference meetings and that all time during leader remarks, recess, and adjournment count postcloture on the Flowers nomination; and finally, that if any nominations are confirmed during Tuesday's session of the Senate, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's actions.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that following the remarks of my Republican colleagues, the Senate proceed to legislative session and that the Senate stand adjourned under the previous order.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, over just the last couple of weeks, the people of Wyoming have celebrated two very important events: July 4, Independence Day, as America turned 250; and July 10, Wyoming Statehood Day. My home State of Wyoming turned 136 that day. We celebrated both of those great occurrences all across the State for a full week. We had the iconic Cody Stampede Rodeo in Cody, WY. We saw volunteers in Gillette serve over 4,000 hot dogs at the Independence Day community celebration. We saw the Boy Scouts in Sheridan serve over 1,000 pancake breakfasts. And my Rotary Club in Casper celebrated the values that started our country. We had Wyoming best-selling author C.J. Box read the Declaration of Independence at a community gathering in Carbon County. The streets were packed for the Independence Day parade in Cody, and people then gathered at Veterans Park for the annual ``Let Freedom Ring'' celebration. The seats were full for the Big Wyo Rodeo in Sheridan and the Casper Rodeo finals just this past Saturday night. Our entire congressional delegation attended parades and festivities all across the Cowboy State. This is the America that we saw these past 2 weeks. Yet there is another vision being offered to this country today, and we see it on the other side of the aisle. It is the vision being offered by the Democrats, and it is a dark vision, indeed. It is a vision of open borders, of high taxes, and of lawlessness. It is a vision that damages our communities and disrespects the values that Americans hold dear. Today's Democrat Party has taken a radical turn to the left. Today's Democrat leadership is enabling it. America's largest city--the hometown of the minority leader, Senator Schumer--is now being run by a professed socialist. Our Nation's Capital is about to elect one as well. People proclaiming to be socialists are winning Democrat primaries across the country. In Michigan, a Democrat front-runner for the U.S. Senate is campaigning with an extremist who blames America for the September 11 terrorist attacks. These were the attacks that 25 years ago cost the lives of 2,977 Americans. Extremism drives the Democrat Party, and its influence within the party is growing. Here is what they want: Democrats want open borders. Democrats want to defund the police. Democrats want to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Democrats want to abolish the U.S. Border Patrol. Democrats want to weaken law enforcement. They want to make it harder to remove illegal immigrant criminals from our communities. Democrats want to pack the Supreme Court. They want judges who will rewrite the law and ignore the Constitution. Democrats want to abolish the electoral college. They want to make it possible for only a handful of big cities in blue States to control the selection of the next President. Democrats want higher taxes. They want hard-working American families to pay for healthcare for illegal immigrants. Democrats want to keep affordable, available, reliable American energy in the ground. That is today's Democrat Party. They are radical, they are extreme, they are dangerous, and they are scary. You may have noticed that, in the middle of a heat wave, the new Democrat mayor told New Yorkers to turn up their air conditioning to 78 degrees. Why? Because the New York power grid was collapsing. How could that be? Why was the New York power grid collapsing? Well, because New York Democrats--pressured by climate extremists--shut down reliable nuclear powerplants. Welcome to the Democrat Party of 2026. Alarmingly, in this very Chamber, Democrat leaders are cheering on the radical left. After socialists swept their primaries this summer, one Democrat Senator said that ``this is a very good trend.'' Another said it is a sign that their party is ``alive and well.'' Another said we are now seeing the ``future of the Democrat Party.'' By contrast, Republicans continue to deliver results. We passed the Working Families Tax Cut law. We stopped the largest tax increase in American history. We put more money back into the pockets of millions of hard-working Americans. Ninety-six percent of Americans who make under $200,000 a year benefited from the Working Families Tax Cut law. Republicans secured the border. We passed the largest investment in border security in American history. We fully funded ICE and Border Patrol for the next 3 years, and we are deporting illegal immigrant criminals. The contrast is clear: Democrats stand for high taxes, open borders, and lawlessness. Republicans stand for freedom, liberty, and American greatness. America is worth defending. America is worth celebrating. America is worth fighting for. That is what Republicans are committed to doing, and that is what we did as the people of Wyoming over the Fourth of July. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. BARRASSO

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the Westercamp nomination.