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Congressman Jim Matheson urges bipartisan cooperation, support for education and homeland defenses in Utah Senate address
Summary
Rep. Jim Matheson spoke to the Utah Senate about bipartisan cooperation, Olympic preparations, Medicare modernization including prescription drugs, and homeland‑defense priorities; he also urged continued support for volunteerism after 9/11 and backing for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Congressman Jim Matheson addressed the Utah Senate during a Committee of the Whole on Feb. 4, praising state preparations for the 2002 Winter Olympics and urging lawmakers to work across party lines on federal‑state priorities including education, Medicare prescription drug access and homeland defense.
Matheson told senators he values bipartisan coordination and cited his work to build cross‑aisle relationships in Washington. He said he was inspired by the president’s State of the Union message about national unity and described volunteerism and public service as central to the nation’s recovery since Sept. 11. Matheson said he cosponsored legislation to expand national service and the USA Freedom Corps initiative and urged continued investment in volunteer programs as the Olympics bring international visitors to Utah.
On education, Matheson said he is prepared to work with the state to support the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act so that local schools get flexibility and resources to help special‑needs students. He also called for measures to modernize Medicare so seniors can access prescription drugs.
Matheson praised local preparations for the Olympics and noted civic pride in hosting the games, while acknowledging national security and public‑health concerns such as vaccine stockpiles and protection of critical infrastructure. He invited senators to raise ideas on how to strengthen homeland defenses and community preparedness and offered to carry Utah priorities in Congress.
After his remarks Matheson fielded a short set of questions from senators, including concerns about monument designations and local stakeholder input; he expressed support for transparent, public processes. The Senate thanked Matheson and returned to regular business.
