Simpson questions Democratic control of Congress

Cheyenne columnist Dave Simpson argues that the recent shift in congressional power may complicate efforts to lower living costs for Wyoming residents. In a piece published on Sunday, Simpson expressed skepticism about the ability of the new Democratic leadership to deliver on promises of affordability.

Simpson pointed to the scale of proposed federal spending as a primary obstacle. He noted that plans for expanded Medicare coverage would cost trillions of dollars. He questioned whether such large expenditures would actually reduce the price of everyday items like eggs, cookies, and bratwurst at local grocery stores.

The column cited specific policy positions held by Democrats in the past. Simpson recalled that the party previously supported raising gas prices to ten dollars per gallon to promote electric vehicles. He also referenced a prior push to ban drilling in large areas of the country and to stop pipeline construction. He asked if the party that once sought higher fuel costs would now make gas and diesel cheaper at the pump.

Simpson focused heavily on the relationship between Democrats and billionaire Elon Musk. He described Musk as a key figure in aerospace and global communications who faced intense backlash from Democratic voters. Simpson noted that some Democrats recently advocated for the government to seize Musk’s companies. He attributed this view to Robert Reich, a former Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton.

The columnist compared the proposed seizure of private companies to practices in Cuba. He described Musk as a modern version of Thomas Edison who is essential to NASA missions and Starlink communications. Simpson argued that the party now in charge of the House and Senate appears to have a preference for large spending and new social programs.

Simpson criticized the national debt, which has topped $40 trillion. He stated that both political parties often agree to increase spending when they cannot agree on policy. He argued that Republicans are at least embarrassed by excessive spending, whereas Democrats view increased expenditure as a core purpose. He said that increasing spending less than the rate of inflation is considered a cut by the party.

The column predicted that fuel prices would drop once the current war in Iran ends. Simpson suggested that Democrats would claim credit for the price decrease. He contrasted this with the current legislative agenda, which he said includes adding two new states and packing the Supreme Court. He listed other priorities such as re-opening borders and modifying the Electoral College.

Simpson agreed with TV and radio pundit Clay Travis, who compared the election results to hiring an arsonist to put out a fire. Simpson referenced a phrase he used after the August primary, when Wyoming voters removed several conservatives from the state Legislature. He concluded by asking how the play was, echoing the famous line from the movie My Cousin Vinny.