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House urges congressional review of Security and Prosperity Partnership
Summary
After extended debate, the Utah House passed House Joint Resolution 7 requesting congressional evaluation of the Security and Prosperity Partnership and that the Utah congressional delegation report findings to state bodies by Sept. 30, 2007.
Representative Sandstrom introduced House Joint Resolution 7 urging Congress to address perceived sovereignty concerns raised by the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) and calling for congressional oversight. He characterized the SPP as an agreement signed in 2005 and warned of long-term sovereignty implications.
Representative Allen moved to replace the original text with a second substitute that reframed the resolution as a request for study and reporting. Supporters of the substitute, including Representative Allen, said it directed Congress to evaluate SPP objectives (competitiveness council, pandemic influenza cooperation, energy security, emergency management, and smart/secure borders), and asked Utah’s congressional delegation to report back to the Utah International Trade Commission and the legislature’s government operations interim committee by Sept. 30, 2007.
Opponents argued the substitute softened the original intent and could be construed as endorsing the SPP. Debate included questions about whether the SPP was a signed agreement or an informal dialogue; the sponsor said he had a White House press release and would provide documentation but acknowledged it was not a treaty.
The motion to substitute failed on division; the House then proceeded to vote on the original resolution. After floor debate and a previous-question motion, HJR7 passed the House 47-24 and will be referred to the Senate.
