Congressman Jason Chaffetz tells Utah legislators federal spending 'dire'; answers questions on Fast and Furious and local impacts

U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz addressed the Utah House of Representatives in a committee of the whole and delivered an extended statement warning that "the nation's fiscal situation is dire," outlining federal property disposal proposals, workforce reductions, Social Security reforms and proposals to transform some federal programs into state block grants.

Chaffetz urged states to consider reclaiming local control over funding streams and cited the federal budget and debt trajectory as a major concern. He said the federal government maintains a large number of underused buildings and has proposed legislation to dispose of excess properties to save maintenance costs. On Social Security, he described a multi‑point plan to stabilize the program without resorting to privatization or immediate tax increases.

During questions, Representative Christiansen and others pressed him about federal funds flowing into state programs and inconsistencies between federal rules and local needs. Chaffetz raised the ATF "Fast and Furious" operation as an example of federal mismanagement: "We purposely allow nearly 2,000 guns to walk out the door," he said on the floor while pressing the Department of Justice for better coordination with Mexican authorities. He also discussed sequestration risks and urged the state to prepare for reduced federal funding.

Members thanked the congressman for the visit and followed with questions about transportation funding, search‑and‑rescue costs on federal lands, and immigration policy; Chaffetz said he is working with the Utah delegation and emphasized protecting Hill Air Force Base. The exchange closed with members applauding the congressman’s remarks and the body dissolving the committee of the whole back to regular session.