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In Washington this week, Senator Romney joined his colleagues in recognizing the immense sacrifices of our law enforcement; called on the U.S. to refocus its policy approach toward Russia; and met with stakeholders from across Utah to discuss issues like banking, tourism, and public transit. He also worked with his Utah Congressional Delegation colleagues in introducing legislation to better support our state’s national defense capabilities. Keep scrolling for more news.
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Each day, our men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line to protect our communities. During National Police Week, we recognize the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers—a job which can often take a heavy personal toll.
The Senate unanimously adopted a bipartisan resolution, co-sponsored by Senator Romney, marking the week of May 14 through May 20, 2023, as “National Police Week” and honoring the 443 law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty in 2022, including one Utahn—J. Adam Ashworth of the St. George Police Department.
Putin's aspirations look beyond Ukraine—he is seeking to re-establish the old boundaries of the Soviet Union and bring more nations under his control. Ukraine must win the war in order to shed Russia's imperial ambitions and halt the rise of autocracy's sway on the global order.
At a Foreign Relations Committee hearing to discuss what comes next for U.S. policy towards Russia, Senator Romney asked the witnesses to detail potential pressure points for Russia and Putin, arguing that we must apply more effort to those pressure points should the U.S., in lockstep with our allies, be successful at preventing Putin’s goal of re-establishing the old Soviet Union.
Full story by Gitanjali Poonia here.
Senator Romney and Senator Lee have partnered to introduce legislation to preserve the University of Utah’s Research Park, which positively impacts Utah's economy and helps maintain our status as a hub for innovation and research. This week, the University of Utah Research Park Act passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on a unanimous vote. The bill would preserve the University of Utah’s nearly 600-acre research park and avoid possible action by the Bureau of Land Management to repurpose the land.
Public lands are best managed by those closest to them, including state and local leaders, not the federal government. Senator Romney joined a group of colleagues, led by Senators Hoeven (R-ND) and Daines (R-MT), in pressing the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw its proposed Public Lands Rule. The proposal would negatively impact western states by undermining the multiple use requirements established by Congress and locking up taxpayer-owned lands from activities that are essential to local economies, including grazing, energy development, and tourism.
Utah was recently named the best state in the nation, much to the credit of our local community leaders and small businesses. Senator Romney met with members of Box Elder, Cache Valley, Cedar City, Moab, South Valley, Tooele, and Vernal chambers of commerce to provide an update on his legislative efforts for Utah and the country.
Utah’s Dugway Proving Ground plays a critical role in bolstering our country’s national defense by ensuring our military is prepared for evolving chemical and biological threats. Dugway is in dire need of improvements to facilities; yet, an obscure and outdated federal statute prohibits the Army from even requesting funding for military construction projects for chem-bio program facilities. Senator Romney led the Utah Congressional Delegation in introducing the Chemical and Biological Defense Program Improvement Act, legislation to remove a bureaucratic roadblock that prevents the U.S. Army from requesting funding for military construction projects related to chem-bio program facilities like those at Dugway.
Utah has five stunning national parks, offers exceptional recreation opportunities, and carries a unique culture—all of which attract tourists from around the world. Senator Romney met with members of the Utah Tourism Industry Association to discuss strengthening tourism in our state.
As we move forward from the pandemic, public transit authorities like Cache Valley Transit District are working to meet the changing needs of the population. Senator Romney met with Cache Valley Transit District CEO Todd Beutler to discuss investments they're making in new infrastructure projects and facilities.
Industrial banks contribute significantly to Utah's economic output and employment opportunities. Senator Romney met with representatives from the Utah Department of Financial Institutions, including Commissioner Darryle Rude, to discuss the role these banks play in supporting our communities.
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