Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, said he knows Republicans "need to do more" on the economy in a "Meet the Press" appearance Sept. 20, pointing to one of the most important issues for voters nearly a month before the November midterm elections.
The No. 2 Senate Republican said that "people all around the country are feeling the pain" when moderator Kristen Welker asked Barrasso, who was campaigning in Iowa, if voters in the red state should hold Republicans responsible for higher gas prices.
"I'm hearing it in Wyoming with our ranchers and farmers as well. People vote about what's going on in their life and their future and we know we need to do more," Barrasso, who serves as the "whip" for Leader John Thune, told Welker.
drops, more voters say he's hurt the economy: new poll
Barrasso joined "Meet the Press" from Iowa as U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson is locked in an unexpectedly competitive race against Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek, a Paralympic gold medalist, to replace retiring Sen. Joni Ernst. His comments come as Republicans are fighting to maintain control of Congress and President Donald Trump faces sinking approval ratings over his handling of the economy and the Iran war.
On Sept. 19, Iowa's senior senator, Chuck Grassley, on social media called for an embargo on diesel exports "like presidents in the 70s put embargoes on (agricultural) products bc food prices were inflated," writing that "High diesel prices ARE KILLING FARMERS INCOME."
Barrasso didn't immediately back the plan during the NBC interview. "The president is considering a number of different things that he can do. Right now, we know that regulations are adding to the price, and it would get worse if the Democrats were in charge,"
Barrasso said that prices will come down when the Iran war is over, a promise Trump has long made as the conflict has continued for nearly seven months.
Welker questions Barrasso over Trump reporter ban
Welker later asked Barrasso if he agreed with Trump's Sept. 18 decision to ban reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.
"We all respect and value the freedom of the press. It's in the Constitution," Barrasso said, before pointing out that Trump was banned from Twitter and Facebook after the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol during his first term. X, formerly called Twitter, and Facebook are social media platforms run by private sector companies, not government officials.
"I didn't see people come to his defense, so it goes both ways," the lawmaker told Welker. "The press has an obligation to report fairly, and the president doesn't see it happening that way. Every politician wants fair treatment from the press, as do I, as does the president."
Welker then told Barrasso that "the First Amendment guarantees freedom of the press" and that "courts have barred the White House from banning access over their coverage." She asked Barrasso if he believed Trump was violating the Constitution.
"No, I believe the press has an obligation to report fairly," he said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Top Senate Republican says 'we need to do more' on economy, affordability
