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Senator Orrin Hatch addresses House on immigration, budget and energy policy
Summary
U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch visited the Utah House in Committee of the Whole, urging stronger border security as a precursor to immigration reform, arguing for a balanced‑budget amendment, and promoting federal support for expanded natural gas vehicle use and energy development in Utah.
Senator Orrin Hatch addressed the Utah House in Committee of the Whole on Feb. 4, fielding questions from representatives on immigration, fiscal policy and energy.
Immigration and border security: Hatch told members that comprehensive immigration reform was unlikely without stronger border security and investments in technology and enforcement. He referenced past legislative efforts and said states act when the federal government fails to fulfill obligations.
Balanced‑budget amendment and federal spending: On the question of whether a balanced‑budget constitutional amendment could advance, Hatch said he expects House consideration and argued for mechanisms to rein in spending, recounting past votes and expressing concern about long‑term entitlement spending and the national debt.
Energy and compressed natural gas: Representatives asked about promoting conversion to compressed natural gas; Hatch described federal and private efforts to encourage conversion of heavy‑duty trucks and praised Utah companies developing relevant technologies, saying such steps could yield significant fuel savings.
Members also asked questions about federal‑state cooperation, the impact of federal health‑care policies, and economic priorities. Hatch closed by encouraging give‑and‑take dialogue and thanked the House for the invitation; the Committee returned to the House and dissolved after his remarks.
