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Congressman Hanson urges caution on constitutional convention, discusses budget and wilderness policy
Summary
Representative Hanson addressed the Senate Committee of the Whole, urging the body not to rescind prior resolutions related to a constitutional convention on a balanced-budget amendment, and spoke on federal priorities including line-item veto, defense procurement and wilderness designations.
The Senate went into a Committee of the Whole to hear U.S. Congressman Hanson, who addressed senators on several federal issues. Hanson asked Utah senators not to rescind a prior resolution regarding a constitutional convention aimed at a balanced-budget amendment, noting that 31 states had passed similar resolutions and that 34 are required to call a convention.
Hanson also discussed federal budgeting measures (including the Graham-Rudman context), the line-item veto and an expected test case on presidential line-item authority. He described concerns about the so-called 'electronic battlefield' and defense procurement priorities, and emphasized caution about precipitous reductions in military posture without verification and appropriate planning.
On public lands and wilderness, Hanson recounted the 1984 Forest Service wilderness action and stressed that BLM wilderness bills will require unanimity across the delegation, the governor and stakeholders. He recommended a collaborative process involving the Sierra Club, Farm Bureau, BLM and local delegations to build consensus on wilderness study areas.
Senators thanked Hanson for his remarks; a number asked questions about term limits and other federal measures. The Committee of the Whole dissolved after the address and the Senate resumed regular order.
