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Newly sworn Congressman Jim Matheson urges bipartisanship, pledges advocacy for Utah
Summary
Congressman Jim Matheson, recently sworn into the U.S. House, addressed the Utah House in a Committee of the Whole, urging bipartisan work on transportation, education and fiscal discipline and answering members’ questions on federal support for state priorities.
Congressman Jim Matheson, sworn in Jan. 3 as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, addressed the Utah House in a Committee of the Whole on Jan. 23. Matheson described a bipartisan outlook in Washington and said he intends to advocate for Utah on transportation, education and energy issues.
Matheson told members he had met with the full Utah delegation and emphasized the need to work across party lines: "I pledge to work closely with each of you to pursue interests of the state of Utah." He discussed transportation priorities, including the potential role of commuter and light rail as components of an integrated system and said he hoped to secure committee assignments relevant to those goals.
On education, Matheson said he favored accountability but was wary of federal overreach: "I do like the notion of looking for accountability...but I am concerned about the federal government coming in and telling all the states what to do." He also addressed an idea to standardize national poll-closing times in response to concerns about the 2000 election and said he had no settled position but recognized the issue's import.
Members thanked Matheson for his remarks and asked questions on transportation funding and election reform; Matheson responded that he would pursue Utah’s interests in Washington and consider members’ feedback on federal proposals.
