Congressman Jim Hansen urges balanced budget and stresses Hill AFB, wetlands in House floor address

Congressman Jim Hansen (R-UT) addressed the Utah House on Feb. 17, outlining priorities at the federal level and answering lawmakers’ questions on military installations and environmental rules.

Hansen highlighted several Contract With America initiatives under consideration in Congress — including a balanced-budget amendment and line-item veto — and described federal work on military priorities. He emphasized the local economic and strategic importance of Hill Air Force Base, warning of ‘‘ripple effects’’ to the region’s economy if the base were closed or significantly reduced.

On environmental rules, Hansen acknowledged that statutes such as the Endangered Species Act and wetlands protections have regional economic effects and said congressional committees he chairs are examining how to balance environmental protections with realistic land-management and development needs. He told members that the committee is looking for ‘‘legitimate wetlands’’ standards that would mitigate prohibitive costs for projects like the West Davis Highway while retaining critical protections.

Hansen also addressed trade and NAFTA, saying that expanded trade has increased standards of living in neighboring countries and boosted U.S. trade volumes with Mexico. He took questions from representatives about wetlands permitting, military base retention, and broader federal-state responsibilities.

Members thanked Hansen for the visit; the House resolved into and out of a Committee of the Whole to receive his remarks and then resumed legislative business.