Sen. Orrin Hatch outlines federal priorities in Utah House visit; fields questions on nominees, tobacco and NAFTA

Sen. Orrin Hatch addressed the Utah House in the Committee of the Whole on Feb. 17, telling state legislators he wants to ‘‘put security back into Social Security,’’ press for more flexibility for schools through an EdFlex bill and support broad tax relief. He said strengthening the military and tougher anti‑dumping enforcement would be priorities in Washington.

Hatch praised the appointment of Ted Stewart to a federal judgeship, calling him ‘‘honest, decent, reliable’’ and said he would work to reduce controversy around the nomination. On the tobacco settlement, Hatch acknowledged a likely federal reimbursement or match that could leave states with a smaller share; he said legislation under consideration would provide leverage in committee and he expressed sympathy with states seeking more of the settlement proceeds.

On trade, Hatch said views in Congress were mixed on NAFTA. He acknowledged short‑term harms to timber, steel and agricultural sectors from subsidized foreign competition, and said the long‑run view among many lawmakers favors free markets, while urging tougher anti‑dumping enforcement where imports are unfairly subsidized.

During a question period, lawmakers raised Salt Lake City’s Olympic movement and queried the federal perspective on congressional support; Hatch expressed confidence the administration and congressional allies would cooperate. He closed by commending Utah legislators’ bipartisan efforts and answering a range of questions from the floor before the Committee of the Whole was dissolved.