U.S. Senator Mike Lee reports to Utah Senate, answers questions on budget and federal gridlock

U.S. Senator Michael Lee visited the Utah Senate in a Committee of the Whole to present his annual report and take questions from state senators. He described his duties representing Utah’s roughly 3 million residents and emphasized the need for citizens and officials to assert their rights and responsibilities.

On budget matters, Lee said Congress has not produced a budget as required by the Budget Control Act and noted multiple budget proposals were introduced but failed to pass. He discussed a bipartisan path on a balanced-budget amendment and said he and colleagues have discussed sending competing proposals to the states for consideration. "States are, after all, far more competent than we are in actually passing a budget and then balancing that budget every year," Lee said.

Senators thanked Lee for his presentation; several raised questions or comments about federal funding, divided government, and expectations for congressional action. Senator Thatcher commended Lee for submitting his report to the legislature; Senator Jenkins asked whether Utah’s divided government would cause continued inaction before elections, and Lee expressed cautious optimism that members should still attempt to legislate despite partisan divides.

The Committee of the Whole dissolved after the Q&A and senators thanked Lee for his visit. Lee offered to stay in the lobby to answer further questions from any members.