Congressman Hansen praises Hill Air Force Base, urges defense readiness and supports Utah land-exchange plans

Congressman Hansen addressed the Utah House after members resolved into a Committee of the Whole, urging stronger defense preparedness while praising the state’s work on public health and law enforcement tools.

Hansen, a long-serving member of Congress and armed services committees, commended the Legislature’s tobacco settlement work and its DUI efforts before turning to national defense. “There will be no violation on the Utah Test And Training Range,” Hansen said, arguing the range’s unique airspace and testing capabilities make it critical for national security and for keeping Hill Air Force Base viable.

Hansen estimated Hill has recovered from earlier reductions and said he expects new missions and hiring: “we're hiring 3,000 people up there,” he told lawmakers, adding the base remains an “anchor” of the local economy.

Lawmakers pressed Hansen on several local concerns. Representative Garn asked for a status report on Hill; Hansen described base-closing fights and said he expects several missions to come to Hill over the next two years. On public lands, Hansen urged support for negotiated land-exchange approaches to resolve disputes over the West Desert and the San Rafael Swell, calling the governor’s proposals “a way to do it” and noting potential education revenue benefits.

Hansen also emphasized the importance of the National Guard and Reserve in U.S. operations, saying recent deployments and staffing shortages underscore the need for investment in modernization, quality of life, and readiness.

The House concluded its Committee of the Whole after a brief Q&A and returned to its regular calendar.