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Sen. Orrin Hatch praises House work, backs Keystone pipeline and F-35 commitments for Hill Air Force Base
Summary
Sen. Orrin Hatch told the Utah House on Feb. 18 that Congress has passed major measures including the Keystone Pipeline, discussed trade and tax reform, and emphasized the strategic importance of Hill Air Force Base and the F-35 program to Utah’s economy.
Senator Orrin Hatch addressed the Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 18, praising the Legislature’s work and using his floor time to discuss national issues he said were relevant to Utah, including support for the Keystone XL pipeline, trade and tax reform, and defense procurements affecting Hill Air Force Base.
Hatch told lawmakers that Congress had recently passed several major measures and that the Keystone Pipeline had advanced in Congress. He argued that pipeline transport is safer than rail for oil shipments and said passage of the pipeline would be environmentally and logistically preferable. He said he would hope the president would not veto the bill.
On defense, Hatch highlighted the F-35 program’s relationship to Hill Air Force Base and said he had helped secure the first three squadrons; he said that work could lead to “up to 2,500 high skilled jobs” and stressed the long-term importance of the base. In response to questions, Hatch said he intended to attend the congressional address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called Netanyahu "one of the great leaders of this world." He also discussed ongoing tax reform and trade negotiations and said Utah benefits from open trade.
Lawmakers thanked Hatch for the update and his ongoing interest in state matters; Hatch complimented Utah’s roads and infrastructure and urged members to "hang in there." The House later returned to legislative business.
