Congressman Chaffetz warns Utah lawmakers about federal debt, sequestration and cyber risks in Capitol address

U.S. Congressman Jason Chaffetz addressed the Utah House in Committee of the Whole and focused on federal fiscal discipline, sequestration risks, cybersecurity and local impacts on defense infrastructure.

"My biggest concern, my chief, concern, continues to be the lack of fiscal discipline in Washington, DC," Chaffetz told members, citing the national debt and daily interest costs. He warned that sequestration and automatic cuts put pressure on military projects and cited Hill Air Force Base as an example of a Utah asset potentially affected.

Chaffetz discussed oversight of federal programs, including ongoing inquiries into Fast and Furious and Benghazi, and criticized the executive branch for slow compliance with document requests in congressional investigations. "We issued subpoenas ... They refused to give that," he said describing the committee's experience seeking documents.

He also emphasized cyber-security threats as both an economic opportunity and a national-security vulnerability. "We are going to have a cyber attack happen that is going to be, potentially very crippling," Chaffetz said, urging better hygiene and preparation.

Chaffetz took questions from representatives on subjects including sequestration, base closures and immigration reform. He urged incremental, issue-by-issue immigration work and described past bipartisan success on high-skilled immigration legislation. Members thanked him for visiting and raised local concerns about federal cuts to programs and bases.

The exchange lasted for roughly an hour and included follow-up questions from members across policy areas. Chaffetz said he would remain available for further questions and meetings after his appearance.