U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch meets Utah Senate, discusses Social Security, immigration and flood recovery

SALT LAKE CITY — U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) visited the Utah Senate in a committee of the whole and fielded questions about judicial vacancies, immigration policy, Social Security reform and federal support for Southern Utah flood recovery.

Senators asked Hatch about the health of the Chief Justice and potential Supreme Court nominations; Hatch said the chief justice is “doing his work” but acknowledged serious health concerns. On immigration, Hatch described the Dream Act approach he has backed for young people brought into the country: “I’ve come up with what’s called the Dream Act,” he told the chamber, explaining it would allow qualified young people who graduate or show good performance to access in-state tuition and eventually legal status under conditions.

On Social Security, Hatch outlined long-term fiscal concerns and urged action. He described proposals to allow some younger workers to move a portion of payroll contributions into personal savings accounts, arguing that incentives could encourage voluntary savings and help the system's sustainability: “If we can get young people to save in personal savings accounts, it's the way they can solve their problems,” Hatch said, while noting the political and technical challenges of implementing such reforms.

Hatch also addressed Southern Utah flood recovery and praised local community efforts, saying federal cooperation would be necessary to clear channels and reduce future flood risk. He urged senators to advise him on state and local needs and said he would work to help the region secure federal assistance and permits that could speed recovery.

The appearance included wide-ranging exchanges and drew from both state and federal policy experience; Hatch said he values input from state legislators as Congress considers proposals on immigration and entitlements.