|
If we don’t take aggressive action now to save the Great Salt Lake, the consequences for our air quality, ecosystems, and way of life will be severe. If the lakebed is exposed—winds will spread harmful dusts across the Wasatch Front, posing alarming health and environmental risks to our communities.
Senator Romney and Utah Speaker of the House Brad Wilson joined CBS Sunday Morning to discuss efforts to save the Great Salt Lake. The interview highlights Senator Romney’s Great Salt Lake Recovery Act—signed into law by President Biden—which builds on Utah’s efforts to address the historic drought conditions of the Lake. The interview also highlights the State’s recent conservation efforts, spearheaded by Speaker Wilson.
Utah continues to benefit from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the bipartisan infrastructure bill negotiated by Senator Romney and his colleagues. Senator Romney applauded the latest tranche of funding provided by the bill, which will support the Salt Lake City International Airport—which served more than 25 million passengers last year alone—and help Utah communities complete much-needed water and wastewater projects.
The Senator later applauded a major milestone reached in the Provo River Delta Restoration Project. The Provo River is now being diverted into channels and ponds—constructed over the past few years—connecting the River with a restored delta and Utah Lake. This project, funded by the bipartisan infrastructure bill, supports endangered fish and helps ensure that local communities have access to safe and reliable water sources.
The United States must become better prepared to face the wide range of threats both at home and abroad. China’s quest to become the world’s leading power—economically, militarily, and geopolitically—is the central challenge of the 21st Century. At the same time, we must improve government efficiency and rein in federal spending.
Senator Romney announced that he will serve as Ranking Member of two Senate subcommittees for the 118th Congress: The Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy; and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight. These subcommittee roles provide an opportunity to continue the Senator’s efforts to address the new era of competition with China and other emerging national security threats, get our national debt under control, and improve oversight of how Americans’ tax dollars are spent in Washington.
The Civil Air Patrol carries an important mission of serving our communities, saving lives, and preparing young people for the future. Senator Romney met with members of the Utah Wing Civil Air Patrol, including two cadets, and thanked them for their commitment to serve Utah.
Our tax policies should reflect our commitment to a strong relationship with Taiwan, which has long been a trusted partner of the United States. Senator Romney, Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations China Subcommittee, joined the Subcommittee’s Chairman Senator Van Hollen (D-MD) and their colleagues Senators Cassidy (R-LA), Kaine (D-VA), Young (R-IN), and Coons (D-DE) in leading a bipartisan push toward the enactment of a new tax agreement with Taiwan, which would further strengthen economic ties between the U.S. and Taiwan.
Reliable and accessible energy resources are critical to powering Utah's economy and meeting the needs of our communities. Senator Romney met with mayors who represent the Utah Municipal Power Agency to discuss how we can ensure reliable services and competitive rates for our cities and towns.
Senator Romney continued the energy discussion when he met with members from Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems. The group discussed the benefits of nuclear energy, which is non-emitting, available now, and can be used alongside traditional sources as we continue to invest in clean energy technology.
All human lives are sacred, and the lives of our children—both born and unborn—deserve our protection. Senator Romney joined his colleagues, led by Senator Blackburn (R-TN), in reintroducing legislation to prevent Title X family planning funds from going to entities that perform abortions, including Planned Parenthood.
Following the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games, Utah has led the country and the world as the hub of winter sports. Senator Romney met with United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland and Chairman Gene Sykes to discuss efforts to get the Winter Games back to Salt Lake City in the coming decade.
Credit unions are an integral part of Utah's strong and growing economy. Senator Romney spoke with members and leaders of Utah's Credit Unions on the latest in Washington and ways to support the financial service needs of Utahns.
College students today face new and unique challenges. Senator Romney met with BYU Strategic Relations Manager Julie Hatchett and Student Body President Ethan Baker on bolstering student mental health resources and the University's future in the Big 12 Conference.
|