U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart tells Utah Senate federalism should empower states, flags ACA and budget as defining issues

U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart addressed the Utah State Senate in a time‑certain appearance, urging a return of certain powers to state governments and framing the Affordable Care Act rollout, last fall’s government shutdown and the recent budget agreement as defining events for federal politics.

Stewart opened by praising Utah’s governance and said he believes in ‘‘the idea of federalism,’’ arguing many problems are “best addressed at the state” level. He described three events that changed Washington’s operating environment: the government shutdown, difficulties with the Affordable Care Act rollout, and passage of a budget agreement that removed the immediate threat of default. "For example, there's broad bipartisan support for this idea of letting children stay on their…