United States Senator Orrin Hatch

In Speech, Hatch Slams President's Failed Energy Agenda; Calls on Senate Democrats to Advance Bill to Boost Job Growth in the West

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Citing the Obama Administration’s failed energy agenda, U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) called on the Democrat-led Senate to advance the Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act in a speech on the Senate floor today. The measure, introduced by Hatch and U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), focuses on strengthening the economy and creating jobs in the West. Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and Steve Pearce (R-New Mexico).

Y Mountain Access Enhancement Act

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

A bill to provide for the conveyance of a small parcel of National Forest System land in the Uintah-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Utah to Brigham Young University, and for other purposes.

WEST Act

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

A bill to promote the economic and energy security of the United States, and for other purposes.

Hatch, Bishop Meet with Utah National Guard Commander and Top U.S. Air Force Official

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep. Rob Bishop (UT-1) today met with Major General Brian Tarbet, the Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard, and Lt. Gen. Larry D. James, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance for the Air Force. The group discussed the ongoing activities of the Utah National Guard’s 169^th Intelligence Squadron.

“Today’s meeting was a great opportunity to discuss the ongoing missions of the 169^th and the critical services Utahns across the state are performing to defend our country overseas,” Hatch said. “Utahns have been serving in the military protecting their country for generations, and the meeting today was an opportunity to discuss how Utahns will continue to serve and protect America.”

“As the Department of Defense continues to find ways to accommodate the enormous budgetary cuts they have endured, nearly every program is subject to consideration. Unfortunately, that includes many critically important defense and intelligence resources that serve a vital role in our national security capabilities,” said Bishop. “Among these are programs conducted by National Guard units across the country, including Utah’s National Guard. Today’s meeting was part of the ongoing effort to ensure that some of the most essential defense programs are retained through the budgetary review process. I agree that defense should not be exempt from budgetary scrutiny, however it is important that some of our greatest defense capabilities be given additional consideration and their ongoing contributions be recognized and preserved.”

Hatch, Others Question HHS on Wasteful Billion Dollar Loan Program

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, today joined with senior Republicans in the Senate and House of Representatives in questioning whether a Health and Human Services’ (HHS) $3.8 billion loan program to create non-profit health insurers would result in greater competition and lower costs.

Hatch Statement on President Reversing Position on Same-Sex Marriage

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

“I’m glad the President finally laid out his position to the American people, but changing the definition of marriage is not something I can support. The sanctity of marriage is not to be taken lightly. Sanctioned by God, this sacred union between a man and a woman must be respected, preserved, and fostered as the foundation for healthy and prosperous families and communities.”

Hatch on Senate Democrats' Election Year Student Loan Stunt

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement today after Senate Democrats tried to jam through legislation that would impose massive tax increases on America’s small businesses while raiding the near-bankrupt Medicare program:

Hatch on Vice President Biden's Comments on Iran

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) issued the following statement today after Vice President Biden said “we were the problem” when it came to Iran developing its nuclear weapons program:

“Iran – not America – is responsible for developing a nuclear weapons program. Iran isn’t a country to coddle or cozy up with – it backs vicious terrorists seeking to destroy Israel and that threaten the free world. A strong national security isn’t a popularity contest – it’s about demonstrating that peace through strength is the path to a secure world and that is a nuclear arms-free Iran. It’s time for the blame games to end and for the Obama Administration to take responsibility for their failed leadership.”

Hatch: Interior Department's Expected Approval for Natural Gas Development in Utah a "Step in the Right Direction," More Work to Do

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) today welcomed tomorrow’s expected announcement by U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Ken Salazar to approve approximately 3,500 new natural gas wells in Uintah County. Salazar is expected to make the announcement during a visit to Utah. Hatch is the Chairman of the Senate Western Caucus’ Public Lands Subcommittee.

F-35A Lightning II Fighter Jets the Sound of Freedom for Utahns

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Utahns’ feelings about the prospect of Hill Air Force Base landing the F-35A Lightning II jet fighter can best be summed up by the lyrics of a popular song: “It’s a beautiful noise.”

Governor Herbert, Utah Congressional Delegation Comment on New Federal Hydraulic Fracking Rule

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

Utah Governor Gary Herbert and Utah’s congressional delegation today criticized a newly announced ruling by the Obama Administration that would duplicate Utah’s efforts to manage hydraulic fracking on public and Indian lands. The rule announced today by the U.S. Department of the Interior would require public disclosure of all methods used during the process to extract oil and gas on public and Indian lands. The State of Utah already works with energy producers in this area and has a proven track record of ensuring public safety and the proper disclosure of fracking fluids.

Hatch, Senate Finance Committee Republicans Call on Obama Administration to Address Longstanding Trade Issues with China, Push for Key Economic Reforms

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

In a letter today spearheaded by U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, nine members of the Finance Committee called on the Obama Administration to use the U.S.-China Strategic & Economic Dialogue (S&ED) meeting on Thursday as a platform to strengthen the U.S.-China economic relationship and resolve ongoing trade and investment disputes between the two countries, which represent the largest and second-largest economies in the world, respectively.

Hatch Attends Public Meeting on F-35 Fighter Jets at Hill Air Force Base

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:01 EST

U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) tonight attended the Air Force’s public meeting on the Draft F-35A Joint Strike Fighter Operational Basing Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS). The Draft EIS, which affirms earlier announcements that Hill Air Force Base is a preferred location for the initial basing of the new F-35A fighter, evaluates the potential effects of basing the new jet at Hill. Tonight’s public meeting is an opportunity for Utahns to speak directly with Air Force officials about what the F-35A will mean to Northern Utah.

Hatch on Labor Department Decision to Withdraw Youth Farm Rule

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) issued the following statement today in response to the Department of Labor’s decision to withdraw its proposed restrictions on youth working on America’s family farms:

WEST Act Will Fuel Job Creation, Energy Production

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

Job creation and energy production is typically a match made in Heaven in Utah and other western states. They are a perfect complement – much like former Jazzmen Karl Malone and John Stockton were in their heyday.

Hatch: Prairie Dog Proposal a Strong Step in the Right Direction

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) today applauded a new proposal to permit the removal of prairie dogs across Utah as an important step to address the growing public safety threat posed to the southern part of the state. In March, Hatch secured a commitment from top officials at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to visit Utah and see the damage being done firsthand, and today’s announcement comes just weeks after USFWS officials toured several sites in Iron County. The proposed rule was announced in the Federal Register today and will give concerned citizens affected by prairie dogs more rights and flexibility and how to deal with them. Currently, the USFWS is permitted to remove prairie dogs only from agricultural areas.

Hatch Introduces Robert Shelby for His Nomination to U.S. District Court for the District of Utah

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

On April 26, 2012, at a hearing for the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Orrin Hatch introduces Robert Shelby for his nomination to the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah.

Hatch on Judiciary Committee Approval of Robert Shelby to U.S. District Court for Utah

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), a member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today praised Robert J. Shelby’s experience to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the District of Utah. The Judiciary Committee unanimously approved Shelby’s nomination, which now moves on for consideration by the Senate.

Hatch, Barrasso Introduce Legislation to Create Jobs in the West

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

U.S. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today introduced legislation focused on strengthening the economy and creating jobs in the West. The Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act incorporates several pieces of legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives that ARE awaiting action in the U.S. Senate. The House-passed bills were all featured in the Western Caucus Jobs Frontier report jointly issued by the Senate and Congressional Western Caucuses last fall. Barrasso is the Chairman of the Senate Western Caucus and Hatch is the Chairman of the Senate Western Caucus’ Public Lands Subcommittee.

Hatch Praises HELP Committee Action on User Fee Legislation

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:01 EST

Today, U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) voted in support of legislation that allows the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve new prescription drugs, medical devices, generic drugs and biosimilars. The Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act was approved by voice vote by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and included several pieces of legislation that Hatch has championed.