Congressman Chaffetz criticizes stimulus process but urges Utah to take funds

Congressman Jason Chaffetz addressed the Utah Senate and sharply criticized how the federal stimulus bill was handled in Washington, calling the process "legislative malpractice" and saying many members did not read the measure before voting on it. "There is not 1 congressman in that House of Representatives that even read that bill," he said, describing the package as the largest spending bill in U.S. history.

Despite his procedural objections, Chaffetz said Utah should pursue stimulus dollars that can help the state while pushing for fiscal discipline and changes in future federal policy. "I'll go fight to make sure Utah gets not only every dollar, but even more because we're gonna pay for it," he said, acknowledging that accepting federal funds also means long-term obligations for taxpayers.

Chaffetz criticized parts of the federal package for devoting a small share of funds to business tax relief and said he would vote against an omnibus lands bill that, in his view, "ties up too much of our public lands." He also used the floor visit to press for more support for western land and energy interests and to warn about the long-term cost of the current federal spending trajectory.

In a question-and-answer period, senators asked whether Utah should accept stimulus money and how to protect local land-use decisions and RMPs (resource management plans). Chaffetz repeated his intent to oppose the omnibus lands bill and pledged to work with the state's congressional delegation to protect access and ensure Utah's voice is heard in Washington. He concluded by offering to take further questions from senators on federal policy and jobs.