Barrasso: Republicans 'Need to Do More' on Economy as Iowa Race Tightens

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., acknowledged that Republicans need to step up their game on economic issues, speaking directly to Iowa voters who are feeling the pinch of high prices nearly a month before the November midterm elections.

The No. 2 Senate Republican made the comments Sept. 20 on NBC's Meet the Press, where he was campaigning in Iowa. Barrasso told moderator Kristen Welker that voters across the country are struggling with affordability, and Republicans hear the frustration loud and clear.

“People all around the country are feeling the pain,” Barrasso said. “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 whip for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, joined the show from Iowa as the race to replace retiring Sen. Joni Ernst heats up. Rep. Ashley Hinson is facing an unexpectedly competitive challenge from Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek, a Paralympic gold medalist.

Why Iowa voters are focused on the economy

Iowa farmers and families are feeling the squeeze at the pump and in the fields. Diesel prices are hammering agricultural operations, and grocery costs continue to strain household budgets.

On Sept. 19, Iowa's senior senator, Chuck Grassley, called for an embargo on diesel exports, drawing a parallel to presidential actions in the 1970s. Grassley wrote on social media that “High diesel prices ARE KILLING FARMERS INCOME.”

Barrasso didn't immediately endorse Grassley's proposal during the interview, but he pointed to regulatory burdens as a key driver of high costs.

“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.

Barrasso says end of Iran war will bring relief

Barrasso echoed President Donald Trump's longstanding promise that prices will come down once the Iran war concludes. The conflict has now dragged on for nearly seven months, and Trump has repeatedly said economic relief will follow the end of hostilities.

The comments come as Trump faces sinking approval ratings over his handling of the economy and the ongoing war. Republicans are fighting to maintain control of Congress, and Iowa's Senate race has become a focal point of national attention.

Press access dispute draws First Amendment questions

Welker also pressed Barrasso on Trump's Sept. 18 decision to ban reporters from CNN, MSNBC and Politico from the White House.

Barrasso defended the move while acknowledging constitutional protections for the press.

“We all respect and value the freedom of the press. It's in the Constitution,” Barrasso said. He noted that Trump himself was banned from Twitter and Facebook after the Jan. 6 riots during his first term, arguing that treatment cuts both ways.

“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 countered that “the First Amendment guarantees freedom of the press” and noted that courts have barred the White House from banning access based on coverage. She asked Barrasso directly whether Trump was violating the Constitution.

“No, I believe the press has an obligation to report fairly,” he said.

What this means for Iowa's Senate race

The economy remains the dominant issue for Iowa voters as Hinson and Turek battle for Ernst's seat. Republicans are working to frame the election around affordability, energy independence and regulatory reform, while Democrats are hammering on inflation and economic anxiety.

Barrasso's visit underscores the national stakes of the Iowa race. With control of the Senate on the line, both parties are pouring resources into the state.

For Iowa families, the message from Republican leadership is clear: they hear the concerns, and they're promising action on prices, regulations and energy costs.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY.