US Senator

John Barrasso Biography

Biography

John Barrasso is a Republican Senator from Wyoming, born on July 21, 1952, in Reading, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Georgetown University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1974, followed by his Doctor of Medicine from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1978. Barrasso completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Yale Medical School and has practiced as an orthopedic surgeon, serving as the chief of staff at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper before entering politics.

Barrasso's political career began in the Wyoming State Senate, where he served from 2002 until 2007. He was appointed to the United States Senate on June 22, 2007, to fill the vacancy left by the late Craig L. Thomas. Since taking office, he has been re-elected multiple times, with his current term set to end on January 3, 2031. Barrasso has held various leadership roles, including chair of the Republican Conference and the Committee on Indian Affairs. He was also instrumental in various policy committees, including the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Throughout his tenure, Barrasso has sponsored a number of significant bills that highlight his legislative priorities, particularly concerning energy and health. Notably, he sponsored the Strategic Production Response Act (SB31), which aims to regulate the drawdown of petroleum from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, mandating that such actions should only occur if a plan to boost domestic oil and gas production is in place. This bill underlines his commitment to enhancing U.S. energy independence while maintaining environmental protections.

Barrasso is also a co-sponsor of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (SB339), which proposes to expand Medicare coverage for early detection tests for multiple types of cancer. This initiative reflects his focus on healthcare and preventive medicine, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes for seniors.

In addition to these health care initiatives, Barrasso has been involved in legislation addressing national security and international affairs, such as the Valiant Act of 2025 concerning Venezuela, which aligns with a broader Republican stance on promoting democracy and stability in regions facing authoritarianism.

Barrasso's political leanings are characterized by a commitment to conservative values, particularly in energy policy, where he advocates for the expansion of fossil fuel production and regulatory reforms aimed at supporting domestic industries. His support for the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 (SB537), which seeks to maintain access for hunting and fishing on federal lands, underscores his alignment with outdoor recreational sectors and traditional conservationist views that favor user access.

In terms of personal life, John Barrasso resides in Wyoming with his wife, and they have two children. He maintains a connection to his medical background by engaging with healthcare professionals and advocating for policies that support health initiatives within the state. Overall, Barrasso's legislative actions illustrate a consistent focus on balancing economic growth through energy production with a commitment to health and security for his constituents.