Building A Strong Wyoming

Senator Barrasso stands up to the Bush Administration

As many of you know, Senator Enzi was successful last year in getting legislation passed that will get Wyoming back over $1.6 billion that the Federal goverment owes our state.  The Federal Government has been collecting Abandoned Mine Land monies from the mining companies for years.  The money was supposed to be split 50/50 between the Feds and Wyoming.  The Feds collected the money and then never paid the states their share.  Enzi was able to fix that last year.  Supposedly our first payment of $550 million was supposed to come this year.  The Feds have now decided to write a new rule that redefines the definition of the word "payment," so then the Bush Administration doesn't have to pay Wyoming.  This is wrong and our entire congressional delegation have come out fighting for Wyoming.  Senator Barrasso cross-examined the new Bush appointee who will manage the payback.  Senator Barrasso was tough in his questioning but fair.  This is a very important battle for Wyoming.  This is Wyoming's money and the Bush Administration needs to pay it over.  The money will be used in Wyoming to address the impacts of minerals on our state, including the need for affordable housing.  The Bush Administration is worried that this payment will eat into their budget deficit.  They are missing the point, this isn't federal money.  It is Wyoming's money, meant for Wyoming people to deal with increasing pressures of mineral development.  I haven't been real impressed with Bush's spending habits up to now.  I can't believe he all of a sudden thinks he is going to balance the budget by taking Wyoming's money.  I applaud Senator Barrasso in his tough questioning the other day, and support Senator Enzi and Barrasso, and Congresswoman Cubin in their fight for our money.