Utah senators hear House delegation on immigration, identity verification and federal spending

Congressmen Chris Cannon and Jim Matheson addressed the Utah State Senate in a committee of the whole on Jan. 24, urging cooperation between state and federal officials on immigration, identity verification and budget priorities.

Cannon framed his remarks around civility in Washington and the need for comprehensive immigration enforcement. "We need to stop illegal immigration at the border," Cannon said, arguing federal action is required to avoid shifting long-term costs to states. He described a recent workplace enforcement action, saying, "They went in and arrested almost 2,000 people. They ended up prosecuting fewer than 200 people," and used that example to press for clearer employer verification and federal prosecution strategies.

Cannon urged Utah legislators to consider the fiscal effects of policy choices at the state level and referenced the federal "Dream Act" as a vehicle that would allow states flexibility on school access for children of undocumented immigrants. He also criticized excessive earmarking in federal transportation bills while acknowledging the role of some federal funding for local projects.

Matheson urged coalition-building across party lines and highlighted his committee assignment on Energy and Commerce as a platform to influence energy, health-care and telecommunications policy affecting Utah. "I think there is an opportunity in a bipartisan way to craft some legislation that will be reasonable," Matheson said, adding that the Blue Dog Coalition will push fiscal accountability such as PAYGO rules.

Both representatives took questions from senators. Senator Walker asked about identity-fraud verification and a pending joint resolution asking Washington for help on employer verification; Cannon and Matheson discussed the limits of federal and state authority, the role of employers, and potential federal grants and statutory fixes. Senator Stevenson emphasized frustration that Congress repeatedly promises but has not delivered long-term immigration solutions; both congressmen said they believed the two-year Congress presented an opportunity to act.

On land-management issues, Matheson described efforts to build a funding stream for a Washington County lands package intended to coordinate growth, preserve corridors and fund land and water conservation. He said the measure is complex, has received hearings in both chambers and that coalition-building would be necessary to advance it.

The senators thanked both congressmen and formally spread the comments on the Senate journal. No formal legislative action was taken during the presentations; the visitors were thanked and the Senate returned to its calendar.