FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) — Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming said Republicans are “off to a good start” delivering on tax relief, border security and economic affordability under President Donald Trump, highlighting what he called a return to enforcing existing laws and pri oritizing working families. Barrasso made the remarks during an appearance on Fort Wayne’s Morning News with Kayla Blakeslee, where he discussed his leadership role in the Senate, the passage of the Working Families Tax Cuts bill and the direction of the country as it approaches its 250th anniversary. “It includes getting to votes,” Barrasso said of his role as majority whip. “Especially with President Trump in the White House, we want to make sure that we get legislation passed… to put more money in people’s pockets and make life more affordable for the American people.” Whip role and Senate strategy As majority whip, Barrasso is responsible for counting votes, building consensus and ensuring Republicans can advance key parts of their legislative agenda. He said that requires close coordination among senators and clear communication about how policies affect everyday Americans. “You need members to talk to other members to make sure you have the votes, to explain what’s coming up,” Barrasso said. “How can we lower the cost of energy? How can we help folks? That’s what this comprehensive economic plan is about.” Barrasso also praised Indiana Sen. Jim Banks, who recently joined his whip team, calling him a proven legislator and effective communicator. “I invited him because I wanted somebody that really knows how to get the job done,” Barrasso said. “He’s been terrific on television, terrific on the floor of the Senate and a hardworking member of the whip team.” Tax cuts and take-home pay A major focus of the interview was the Working Families Tax Cuts bill, which Barrasso said delivers tangible benefits through provisions such as eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security income. “For a lot of people, if you’re not paying taxes on tips, that’s actually more money to take home,” he said. “No tax on overtime works for police officers, firefighters, nurses — people who work overtime a lot.” Barrasso, an orthopedic surgeon by training, said he has seen firsthand how overtime pay can be eroded by taxes. “I remember nurses saying, ‘I work overtime, I make more, taxes go up, and I don’t really have that much more to take home,’” he said. “This fixes that.” He added that changes to the estate tax will help farmers, ranchers and small business owners pass operations down to the next generation. “We’ve got a limit now at $30 million,” Barrasso said. “That means they’re going to be able to keep it in the family.” Border enforcement and energy costs Barrasso also pointed to border enforcement as an early success of the Trump administration, saying conditions have changed rapidly without the need for new laws. “I was at the border last weekend, and it is secure,” he said. “President Trump did it not by changing the laws, but just by enforcing the laws on the books.” On energy prices, Barrasso contrasted current costs with those during the Biden administration. “In Wyoming, it was $5 a gallon,” he said. “Now it’s much cheaper. When you go to fill up, it’s going to cost a lot less than it did under the Biden administration.” America at 250 As the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, Barrasso reflected on his family’s military history and what public service means to him. “My dad was in World War II, the Battle of the Bulge. My father-in-law was a Purple Heart recipient,” he said. “Growing up, my dad always said, ‘You should thank God every day you live in America.’” Barrasso said walking through the U.S. Capitol still leaves a lasting impression, particularly the rotunda and historic Senate offices. “It’s a magical and historical place,” he said. “It reminds you that even during the Civil War, leaders believed it was important to keep building — to show the world our country was moving ahead.” Asked to name his favorite founding father, Barrasso did not hesitate. “There would be no America without George Washington,” he said. The interview concluded on a lighter note with a rapid-fire question segment, but Barrasso returned to a consistent theme: opportunity driven by effort. “In Wyoming and Indiana, we view the economy as a ladder to climb,” he said. “It’s not a line to wait in for a handout. It’s based on your effort, not your existence.” The post WOWO EXCLUSIVE: Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso Interview with Kayla Blakeslee appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less