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It's only getting drier in the American West. So far this year, in Utah, nearly 400 fires have burned more than 40,000 acres of land. Almost 90% of these fires are human-caused. In Draper, Senator Romney announced his legislation with Senator Kelly (D-AZ) and Rep. Curtis (R-UT), the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Act of 2021, legislation to establish a wildfire commission which would conduct a national review of wildfire policy and make recommendations to Congress. The commission would be made up of the nation’s top experts, including state and local stakeholders.
Full story by Matt Canham here.
In addition to being an important ally to the U.S., Taiwan plays a significant role in promoting freedom and countering China’s aggression in the region. Senator Romney, Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations' Asia Subcommittee, co-hosted a hearing focused on strengthening the U.S. – Taiwan relationship. Senator Romney urged the Administration to continue to support Taiwan’s autonomy, to partner with allies and other free nations to ensure Taiwan isn’t isolated from global association, and to speed up the distribution of COVID vaccines to Taiwan and other countries in need.
Utah’s once thriving arts and entertainment venues have been devastated by the pandemic. Before COVID, Utah was the third fastest growing state for creative workers and its cultural industry employed 155,000 Utahns. Now, delays in the Small Business Administration's (SBA) distribution of grant funds are too often resulting in these venues going out of business. Senator Romney joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in urging the SBA to speed up delivering relief to Utah's struggling live event venues.
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) provides great outdoor recreational opportunities for Utahns, but several wilderness-designated areas along the trail are hampering full use of the trail. Senator Romney delivered remarks in front of an Energy and Natural Resources' Public Lands subcommittee hearing on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail Advancement Act—bicameral legislation, supported by Utah Governor Cox and the Utah congressional delegation, that would enable the construction of high priority sections of the BST to enhance recreation opportunities near Utah’s most urban areas.
Following reports of Interior Secretary Haaland's recommendation for the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments, Senator Romney and the Utah congressional delegation reiterated their request to meet with the President before he makes a final decision. They continued to urge the administration to work with our delegation, as well as with state, local, and tribal leaders, to craft a permanent, legislative solution, saying, "We believe [it's] the only path to resolving this longstanding issue and providing much-needed certainty to our communities.”
Full story by Saige Miller here.
Each year, Senator Romney has the honor of recommending some of Utah's finest men and women to attend the United States Military Academies. Senator Romney congratulated some of these nominees at a breakfast he hosted in Salt Lake City.
Senator Romney met with Salt Lake Community College President Deneece Huftalin to discuss the needs of community college students in Utah and across the country. He also congratulated her on the Men's Soccer Team's big win of the National Junior College Athletic Association's national championship last week.
Richard, a Vietnam War veteran and West Valley City resident, lost his service medals 20 years ago. Senator Romney and staff were able to secure replacement medals and presented them to Richard at the Salt Lake City office.
Full story by Mary Richards here.
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