Democrats+can%e2%80%99t+keep+ignoring+9.1%25+inflation.

July 11 – July 15, 2022

Historic inflation is affecting every aspect of daily life and this week, Americans saw inflation rise to 9.1%. As Democrats tried to continue ignoring the problem, trying to resurrect their "Build Back Better" agenda, Senator Romney cautioned: "The absolute last thing Democrats should do is to enact their inflationary and progressive BBB agenda of more spending and tax hikes."

In Washington, the Senator introduced legislation to help save the Great Salt Lake amidst all-time-low levels, met with several groups of Utahns, and lead a Foreign Relations Committee hearing to consider nominees to serve U.S. ambassadorships in Asia. Keep scrolling for more news.

Utah’s iconic Great Salt Lake is currently at the lowest levels ever recorded—for the second time in less than a year. Joined by Congressmen Chris Stewart (R-UT) and Burgess Owens (R-UT), Senator Romney introduced the Great Salt Lake Recovery Act, legislation to study historic drought conditions and protect the long-term health of the Great Salt Lake in Utah.

This legislation builds on conservation actions taken by the Utah legislature in the 2022 legislative session, including the designation of $40 million for the Great Salt Lake watershed enhancement program. Upon introducing the legislation, the Senator stated: "It is incumbent on us to take action now which will preserve and protect this critical body of water for many generations to come."

Full story by Amy Joi O'Donoghue here.

This week, the U.S. Forest Service authorized the Uinta Basin Railway, which will connect the eastern part of Utah with other national rail networks. Senator Romney applauded the long-awaited announcement, saying: "This is a big win for Utah! Our state’s continued growth requires key investments in innovative infrastructure—and the Uinta Basin Railway will further boost economic growth. Proud to have joined the Delegation in supporting this project to connect industries across the Basin."

As a major export state, Utah's agriculture industry plays a pivotal role in our country's food security. Senator Romney met with Utah Farm Bureau President Ron Gibson to discuss the challenges currently facing Utah's farmers and producers.

The Black Sea has become increasingly critical as Vladimir Putin continues to wage his unprovoked war in Ukraine, and it has become clear that the United States must have both a strategy and presence in the region.

Senator Romney, along with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), led a group of Foreign Relations Committee colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to require the Biden Administration to develop a strategy to strengthen coordination between the U.S., NATO, and partners in the Black Sea in an effort to increase security, support economic prosperity, and promote democracy. More information on the legislation can be found here.

China’s quest to become the world’s leading power—economically, militarily, and geopolitically—is the central challenge of the 21st Century. Our friends and allies in Asia are not just important, but necessary for meeting U.S. strategic objectives around the world, and will only become more necessary if China continues down its path of malign behavior.

Senator Romney served as Ranking Member during a Foreign Relations Committee hearing examining the nominations of five individuals to serve in U.S. ambassadorships across Asia, where he advocated for the importance of a clear and aspirational message from the United States to each of the countries in order to bolster our friendships and alliances across the region.

Senator Romney met with several groups of Utahns, including a teacher from Utah International Charter School in Salt Lake City, students from Panguitch High School, and representatives from the Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE).