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Congressman Rob Bishop addresses Utah House, defends Medicare Part D, urges state-federal cooperation on Snake Valley and PILT
Summary
U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop spoke to the Utah House on Feb. 9, urging state-federal cooperation on public-lands and water issues and criticizing proposed federal changes to Medicare Part D and student-loan legislation.
U.S. Representative Rob Bishop addressed the Utah House in a committee of the whole on Friday, Feb. 9, offering a broad assessment of federal policy and promising House support for several Utah priorities.
Bishop told members he was pleased to report on federal matters and urged legislators to preserve state authority on several issues. He criticized recent congressional action on student loans and said the measure fell short of expanding college access. On Medicare Part D he warned against proposed reforms that would transfer drug-price negotiation to a government agency, saying, “The choice of prescription drugs should be made by the patient and the doctor, not by somebody in Washington.” Bishop told members that Part D was performing better than anticipated and questioned proposals that would reduce options for seniors.
Bishop also discussed defense and rural funding priorities. He raised concerns about a $3 billion reduction in BRAC implementation money included in a short-term budget and said Utah’s congressional delegation would work to protect local military installations. On Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) he called the President’s recommendation of $190 million insufficient and noted it was $8 million less than the prior recommendation and $43 million less than the amount appropriated previously; he pledged the delegation would work to increase PILT funding.
Representatives asked questions on immigration, minimum wage amendments and national parks maintenance. Bishop said he would support Utah’s positions where appropriate and highlighted the federal-state relationship on water and land issues, including Snake Valley, urging the state to set the technical and policy framework and noting the delegation’s willingness to intervene if necessary.
Bishop closed by praising the state’s budgeting and appropriations openness and encouraging legislators to preserve the practices that work well in Utah. The House dissolved the committee of the whole after the exchange and resumed regular business.
