url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1383,Statement from the Utah Delegation on the Northern Corridor Record of Decision,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, the Biden Administration announced its Record of Decision to amend Washington County’s incidental take permit for the Northern Corridor highway and select the Red Hills Parkway Expressway alternative. U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), Representatives John Curtis (R-UT), Blake Moore (R-UT), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and Representative-elect Mike Kennedy (R-UT) released the following joint statement: “The Biden administration’s decision to amend Washington County’s permit for a Northern Corridor highway – which was negotiated in good faith and has been part of the county’s transportation management plan for decades – blatantly disregards local voices and the law. The directive in the 2009 Omnibus Public Land Management Act is clear: find a Northern Corridor route that balances conservation and supports growth. The BLM’s permitted alternative, a slight extension of the Red Hills Parkway, does nothing to address the short and long-term traffic relief goals of Washington County, and it fails to protect the prime desert tortoise habitat. Unelected bureaucrats have repeatedly undermined longstanding efforts from state and local leaders and demonstrated an unwillingness to partner with local governments. We look forward to working with the incoming Trump administration to review this decision and its compliance with federal law.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1379,Maloy’s Bipartisan Bill to Cleanup Abandoned Hardrock Mines Becomes Law,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Pres. Joe Biden has signed Rep. Celeste Maloy’s (R-UT) Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act into law. Co-led with Reps. Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) and Susie Lee (D-NV), this legislation will establish a pilot program under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow “Good Samaritans” – such as non-profits, local governments, and state agencies – to obtain permits to clean up abandoned hardrock mines. ""Today, we celebrate Utahns having more freedom,” said Rep. Maloy. “With this bill signed into law, Utahns can bypass bureaucratic hurdles and senseless lawsuits to clean up abandoned mines for the benefit of their communities. This achievement is the culmination of decades of bipartisan work, and I want to thank everyone who helped get this commonsense bill across the finish line.” “Despite having no legal or financial responsibility to do so, state agencies, non-profits, and advocates are eager to contribute to abandoned hardrock mine cleanup efforts,” said Rep. Peltola. “But, right now, over-burdensome permitting requirements bar them from doing so. Too often, government red tape prevents good work from getting done—that’s why passing our Good Samaritan bill is huge for mine cleanup throughout Alaska!” “Abandoned hardrock mines in Nevada and across the country are poisoning our waters, threatening Tribal lands, and their hazardous landscapes have injured and killed Americans. For 25 years, bills like this one to clean up these mines have stalled because of Washington politics. Today, we made history by finally empowering nonprofits and agencies that are willing and able to assist this long overdue clean up,” said Rep. Lee. “Because of commonsense bipartisanship, our nation is now on a path to cleaner waters and safer landscapes.” The Senate companion legislation is led by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Jim Risch (R-ID). “After years of red tape and unnecessary barriers, Good Samaritans willing to clean up long-abandoned mine sites can finally move forward with meaningful remediation. I’m proud to have led the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act with Senator Heinrich and look forward to the positive impacts this law will have on our land and water in Idaho,” said Senator Risch. “Our Good Samaritan legislation is now the law of the land, after more than 25 years of hard work to get it over the finish line. Good Samaritans will no longer face hurdles preventing them from helping to protect the land, water, fish, and wildlife our communities rely on. This victory belongs to every single person who rolled up their sleeves to fix this longstanding roadblock, and I’d like to thank those who have carried the baton to get us to this point. Now it’s time to get to work to clean up abandoned mines in New Mexico and across the country, making our water cleaner and lands safer,” said Senator Heinrich. Full text of the legislation can be found here. Reps. Maloy, Peltola, and Lee introduced the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act on March 22, 2024. Read the full press release here. You can read more about the abandoned hardrock mines in Utah here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1380,Maloy Legislation to Return Federal Land Parcels to Utah and Increase Rural Access to the Courts Heads to the White House,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Two of Rep. Celeste Maloy’s (UT-02) bills have passed the Senate and now go to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The Utah State Parks Adjustment Act would transfer the titles for nearly 800 acres of federal land in and around state parks to the state of Utah. H.R. 8666 would authorize holding court for the Central Division of Utah in Moab and Monticello, Utah. Rep. Celeste Maloy on the Utah State Parks Adjustment Act: “It just makes sense for the state to take over management of these parcels. H.R. 7332 would formally transfer these lands to the state to be managed under their thoughtful and diligent management in accordance with their management of the rest of the state parks. Utah has some of the most beautiful and recognizable landscapes in the world and this bill would help ensure that Americans, Utahns, and even visitors from abroad are able to access and enjoy these parks and the resources we enjoy.” Full speech below: WATCH Rep. Maloy explain what federal land parcels will be transferred back to the state of Utah HERE. Rep. Celeste Maloy on H.R. 8666 “Our courts are an indispensable part of our Constitution for peacefully resolving our disputes and for administering justice. I am proud to say that this bill helps ensure that rural Utahns have ready access to justice in the judicial branch of our government and the court system. I want to thank my fellow Utahns for their support.” Full speech below: WATCH Rep. Maloy explain what federal land parcels will be transferred back to the state of Utah HERE. Rep. Celeste Maloy on H.R. 8666 “Our courts are an indispensable part of our Constitution for peacefully resolving our disputes and for administering justice. I am proud to say that this bill helps ensure that rural Utahns have ready access to justice in the judicial branch of our government and the court system. I want to thank my fellow Utahns for their support.” Full speech below:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-bill-establishing-federal-court-locations-in-monticello-and-moab-passes-senate-unanimously,Lee Bill Establishing Federal Court Locations in Monticello and Moab Passes Senate Unanimously,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) announced the Senate unanimously passed legislation introduced by Representative Celeste Maloy (R-UT) establishing statutory locations for holding federal court in Monticello and Moab, Utah, as part of the JUDGES Act. This bipartisan bill addresses challenges faced by residents of Eastern Utah when fulfilling their jury responsibilities. The bill now heads to the President's desk for signature. ""This legislation represents a commonsense and cost-neutral improvement to our judicial system,” said Senator Lee. “By designating Monticello and Moab as statutory locations for court proceedings, we are making it easier for residents in Eastern Utah to fulfill their civic duty. I'm pleased to see the Senate pass this bill unanimously and look forward to seeing it signed into law."" The bill will allow federal judges in the District of Utah to draw juries specifically from Grand and San Juan counties when trials are held in Eastern Utah.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-s-guarding-readiness-resources-act-passes-by-unanimous-consent,Lee’s Guarding Readiness Resources Act Passes by Unanimous Consent,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Bill to Boost National Guard Readiness Heads to the House of Representatives WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate passed the Guarding Readiness Resources Act, a bipartisan effort led by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), by unanimous consent. The legislation provides a critical exemption from the Miscellaneous Receipts Act for State Active Duty (SAD) reimbursement payments. This change ensures that these funds are directed back to the National Guard units that incurred the expenses, bolstering readiness and operational efficiency. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. “The National Guard is essential to our national defense and emergency response system,"" said Sen. Lee. ""This legislation eliminates unnecessary hurdles, ensuring that the funds used by states to reimburse the National Guard go directly to maintaining and preparing our equipment for future missions.I’m proud to see this bipartisan measure pass the Senate with unanimous consent.” The Guarding Readiness Resources Act addresses a longstanding challenge for the National Guard. While federal law allows the use of federal assets for state-directed missions, reimbursements for those expenses have been diverted to the U.S. Treasury instead of the appropriate Guard units, creating significant funding gaps. Bill Specifics: Provides an exemption from the Miscellaneous Receipts Act for SAD reimbursement payments. By adding a Micellaneous Reciepts excemption to section 710 of title 32, Congress will ensure that: The U.S. Property and Fiscal Officer (USPFO) can direct reimbursement money back to National Guard units. National Guard units will have available funding for maintenance, repair, and replacement costs of federal equipment when needed. National Guard equipment, property, and training funds will remain ready for National Guard federal missions. Bill text | One-pager ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-congressman-blake-moores-legislation-to-improve-recreation-access-to-federal-waterways,House Passes Congressman Blake Moore’s Legislation to Improve Recreation Access to Federal Waterways,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON ­– Yesterday, Congressman Blake Moore’s Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters (MAPWaters) Act passed the House of Representatives by a voice vote. This bipartisan bill will improve the standardization, consolidation, and availability of data related to public use of federal waterways and provide outdoor recreationalists the most up-to-date information when exploring the many natural wonders throughout Utah and across the country. “Our federal waterways are an integral part of our nation’s natural beauty, and it’s imperative that recreationalists are given the information they need to explore our waterways safely and legally,” said Congressman Moore. “The MAPWaters Act will ensure outdoor enthusiasts know how to access federal waterways while staying updated on changing rules and restrictions. This bill modernizes the ways we share mapping and access data for federal waterways and promotes sustainable access to preserve our natural resources for future generations. I thank my colleagues for their support of this bill!” “The MAPWaters Act will help standardize crucial mapping information and promote outdoor recreation opportunities across our federal waters,” said House Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman. “This information will improve opportunities for outdoor recreation and help all Americans access our great outdoors. I thank Congressman Moore for his work to get this bill across the finish line.” The Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters Act includes key provisions, including: Requiring the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to develop interagency standards for data collection and dissemination related to federal waterways and fishing restrictions within 30 days of enactment; and Requiring the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to publish online Geographic Information System data on federal waterways and fishing restrictions within four years. Watch Congressman Moore’s remarks on the House Floor here: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-merkley-introduces-the-auto-data-privacy-and-autonomy-act,"Lee, Merkley Introduces the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the bipartisan Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act, legislation to restore vehicle owners’ control over their personal data in an era of rapidly advancing automotive technology. With connected vehicles projected to make up 95% of all new vehicles on the road by 2030, this bill ensures Americans retain the right to privacy and autonomy over their vehicle data. Representative Eric Burlison (R-MO) leads the companion bill in the House. “Ownership should mean control,” said Senator Lee. “Americans deserve to decide who has access to their personal data and how it is used—whether they are driving to work, harvesting crops, or operating machinery on a construction site. This bill empowers individuals to regain control of their vehicle data and restores transparency to a system that has left too many in the dark.” “You shouldn’t be worried about billionaire corporations invading your privacy and stealing your data every time you start your car,” said Senator Merkley. “Our bipartisan bill is a common-sense solution to ensure every American has control over their vehicle data and the freedom to choose how it is used.” “Americans shouldn’t have to trade their privacy for convenience when driving their cars,” said Representative Burlison. “This legislation prioritizes the rights of consumers, safeguarding their sensitive personal information from exploitation. I’m grateful to Sen. Mike Lee for leading this effort in the Senate. The Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act puts Americans back in the driver’s seat when it comes to their personal data. Americans should control their own data.” “NAFA, the national association of public and private fleet managers, is pleased to see progress on the important subject of data access for vehicle owners and lessees” said Bill Schankel, the CEO of NAFA. “We appreciate the efforts of Senator Lee and Representative Burlison in developing legislation to ensure that vehicle owners and lessees have unrestricted access to the data generated by the vehicles they operate, data that is critical to ongoing improvements in efficient fleet operations. We look forward to working with the Congress and other stakeholders in developing effective bipartisan legislation on vehicle data access.” ""The American Car Rental Association (ACRA) strongly supports the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act, which aims to protect consumer data privacy and give vehicle owners greater control over their data. The data access for vehicle owners and data deletion provisions for consumers are crucial for ensuring transparency, fairness, and privacy protection. Facilitating open APIs (application programming interfaces) allows consumers and vehicle owners to delete data from the vehicle’s infotainment system that may have been downloaded during the consumer’s use. This provision helps maintain consumer privacy and ensures that sensitive information is effectively managed. Both the vehicle owner data access and consumer data deletion provisions align with ACRA's mission to drive growth and innovation while safeguarding customer privacy. This legislation will help ensure fair competition by removing unnecessary barriers imposed by manufacturers and giving car rental companies more flexibility to innovate. We thank Senator Mike Lee and Representative Eric Burlison for their leadership and are committed to working with Congress and the administration to ensure swift passage of this legislation."" -Sharkey Laguana, President of the Board of Directors of the American Car Rental Association A recent Salesforce survey of over 2,000 U.S. car owners and lessors revealed significant confusion about what constitutes a connected car and the extent of data these vehicles collect. As connected vehicles communicate with manufacturers, insurers, and other entities, their owners face increasing challenges in managing data privacy. Currently, the separation of vehicle ownership and data ownership leaves drivers vulnerable to opaque data-sharing practices, invasive surveillance, and a lack of control over their own property. The Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act provides vehicle owners with essential rights and protections by: Requiring Informed Consent: Mandating that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) establish opt-in features for vehicle data collection. Restricting Data Sharing: Prohibiting OEMs from sharing, selling, or leasing collected customer data without explicit consent, with narrow exceptions required by law. Protecting National Security: Barring data sharing with adversarial nations. Ensuring Transparency: Directing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report to Congress on data collection practices. Empowering Owners: Allowing vehicle owners access to their vehicle’s data through technology-neutral standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Enabling Data Deletion: Giving owners the right to delete their data after connecting to a vehicle. Balancing Interests: Protecting OEM confidential business information while safeguarding consumer rights. One-pager | Bill-text",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-secures-passage-of-three-bills-in-major-win-for-utah,Lee Introduces America First Act to Remove Federal Benefits from Illegal Immigrants,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Puts Americans first and stops their tax dollars from subsidizing illegal immigration WASHINGTON- Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the America First Act, which would prevent illegal immigrants paroled into the United States from accessing billions of dollars in welfare and other benefits intended for American families. President Biden’s unprecedented abuse of parole for foreign citizens illegally entering our country has resulted in millions of illegal aliens being supported and subsidized by struggling American families through their tax dollars, worsening the border crisis. The bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) and House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX). ""For years, Americans have been told that illegal immigrants are barred from receiving federal benefits to distract from Washington’s complete failure to secure our borders,” said Senator Lee. ""This is a lie. Millions of illegal immigrants “paroled” into the United States, many for fraudulent asylum claims, have gained the ability to access welfare and aid programs originally designed to help American families, not attract and support massive populations of foreign citizens. The America First Act pulls the plug on this criminal redistribution scheme forced upon the American people by Joe Biden and generations of dishonest politicians.” “Millions of illegal aliens are exploiting U.S. welfare and aid programs that are meant to help struggling Americans,” said Rep. Roy. “This is inexcusable. Continuing to hand out welfare to illegals only acts as a magnet for them to keep flooding our communities. That’s why we introduced the America First Act to end illegal aliens’ ability to profit off of American taxpayer dollars once and for all.” “Over the last four years, the unprecedented and unmitigated crisis at the southern border has devastated our communities. As long as we provide taxpayer funded social services to illegal immigrants, there is no physical barrier or number of border patrol agents that will stop them,” said Chairman Arrington. “To add insult to injury, we’re paying $9,000 per illegal immigrant - more than we spend on Medicaid for our most vulnerable Americans or military retirement benefits for our soldiers. Today, I am proud to join Chip Roy and Mike Lee in introducing the America First Act, which would cut off federal benefits for illegals and save over $177 billion.” Background In July of this year, the Congressional Budget Office released a score that found that the Biden administration’s falure to secure the border will add “$0.3 trillion to outlays for federal mandatory programs and net spending for interest on the debt over the 2024–2034 period.”[1] Further, CBO found that “[m]ost of those outlays are for premium tax credits, other refundable tax credits, and Medicaid” while “SNAP, child nutrition programs, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security, Medicare, and assistance for higher education account for smaller amounts.” The Foundation for American Immigration Reform has estimated that the combined cost of federal, state, and local assistance to non-citizens is at least $150.7 billion a year.[2] Bill Specifics: Section 2 – PRWORA Requirements Amends PRWORA to exclude illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, and those withheld from deportation from receiving welfare, including SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, and certain housing benefits. This significantly reduces eligibility for most federal benefits for illegal aliens who have been wrongfully paroled into the United States by the Biden-Harris administration. Section 3 – Head Start Removes Head Start eligibility from illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, temporary protected status (TPS) recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation. Section 4 – Federal Health Care Benefits Eliminates Medicare eligibility and Medicaid subsidies for illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those with deportation withheld. Prohibits Federally Qualified Health Centers from providing non-emergency care to illegal aliens. Section 5 – Housing Restricts federal housing assistance to only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and would make asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation ineligible for federal housing programs. Prohibits illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation. from living in a housing unit financed by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. Section 6 – Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit Requires all taxpayers who claim the EITC, CTC, and/or the $500 “other dependent” tax credit to have a valid Social Security Number in order to claim either credit. Section 7 – FEMA Reform Eliminates the Shelter and Service Program (SSP), which has funneled $640 million to sheltering illegal aliens in FY24 and ensures that FEMA disaster funds are only provided to American citizens and lawful permanent residents. Section 8 – FAFSA Eligibility Removes FAFSA eligibility for non-citizens. Section 9 – ESEA Funding for Sanctuary Jurisdictions Restricts ESEA funding for sanctuary jurisdictions that refuse to comply with federal immigration authorities. Section 10 – Limitations on Services for Haitian Immigrants Removes the special benefit designation for Haitian entrants under PRWORA. Section 11 – Limitations on Reasonable Opportunity Periods (ROPs) for Medicaid Enrollment Requires individuals to provide proof of citizenship before receiving Medicaid benefits. Limits the number of ROPs for individuals unable to provide proof of citizenship when applying for Medicaid. Section 12 – Verification of Citizenship for WIC and School Meal Programs Removes eligibility for WIC and School Meal Programs for illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation. Section 13 – Restrictions on the Use of Community Development Block Grants Restricts Community Development Block Grant Program recipients from using funds to provide illegal aliens, asylees, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation with monetary contributions or in-kind goods or services. Restricts 501(c)(3) organizations from using federal grant funding, appropriated funding, or any other federal funding source to provide illegal aliens, parolees, TPS recipients, deferred action or enforcement recipients, and those withheld from deportation with monetary contributions or in-kind goods or services. Section 14 – Regulations and Guidance Directs the head of each appropriate agency to promulgate necessary guidance and rulemaking to carry out the provisions of the Act. Bill text | Two-pager ### HAFA: “Heritage Action supports Senator Mike Lee’s America First Act, important legislation designed to rein in the vast abuses of taxpayer dollars being used on illegal aliens. The America First Act is a critical step toward stopping the main attractor of illegal immigration, and restoring fiscal sanity by closing these loopholes and prohibiting welfare eligibility for individuals who should not be here in the first place. Now is the time to restore order, protect American workers, and secure the future of our nation’s fiscal stability.” – Ryan Walker, Executive Vice President, Heritage Action for America Immigration Accountability Project: “The border crisis of the last four years has devastated the country and cost American taxpayers billions of dollars as illegal aliens have gained access to public benefits. During this crisis, the Biden-Harris Administration systematically abused its authority under immigration law to grant amnesty to millions, putting them on the path to direct welfare access. If nothing is done to change loopholes in the law, the coming cost will be catastrophic. The America First Act would put a stop to this magnet for illegal immigration, preserve benefits for American citizens, and cut off funds from states that actively hinder immigration enforcement. The Immigration Accountability Project commends Senator Lee and Congressmen Arrington and Roy for introducing this critical piece of legislation and is proud to support it.” - Grant Newman, Director of Government Relations, Immigration Accountability Project Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) for America: “The open borders policies of the Biden-Harris Administration have caused chaos and encouraged a dramatic increase in illegal immigration. The Congressional Budget Office says that the Biden-Harris surge of illegal immigration costs American taxpayers billions in welfare benefits for illegal aliens every year. The America First Act would close the loopholes. I thank Senator Mike Lee, Chairman Jodey Arrington, and Representative Chip Roy for their important work.” - Paul Winfree, President and CEO, Economic Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR): ""Illegal immigration now costs American taxpayers over $150 billion each year, and without meaningful change, the border crisis of the last four years will only continue to rack up costs at the federal, state and local levels. Congress must make it a priority to roll back the failed policies of the Biden administration and ensure that Americans are not forced to shoulder the burden of uncontrolled illegal immigration. FAIR is proud to support the America First Act, and we encourage all members of Congress to support the safeguards found in this legislation that help ensure illegal aliens cannot take advantage of public benefits."" - Julie Kirchner, Executive Director, Federation for American Immigration Reform Texas Public Policy Foundation: ""Senator Lee's legislation addresses critical problems our nation is facing. Out of control numbers of illegal aliens taking advantage of our welfare system and bloated overspending by the federal government on things that do not help Americans. The Texas Public Policy Foundation applauds this legislation and will always support putting Americans first."" - Greg Sindelar, CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation Eagle Forum: “The United States still stands as in exceptional beacon of freedom and opportunity. Sadly, the Biden administration has opened the floodgates by declaring illegal immigrants as “parolees” and therefore eligible for billions of dollars in taxpayer benefits. Not only have they ignored the dangers of mass illegal immigration, but are subsidizing it by providing otherwise ineligible illegals with federal benefits. Congress must act in order to deter this abuse of the system and protect the fiscal integrity of our current welfare programs designed to assist Americans in need. The America First Act is a crucial step in ensure that our laws and taxpayer dollars are respected by those who exploit immigration laws. Eagle Forum is please to endorse the America First Act and encourages Congress to enact it now.” - Kris Ullman, President of Eagle Forum Tea Party Patriots Action: “Senator Mike Lee’s “America First Act” addresses the Biden administration's misuse of the alien parole law, which has allowed 1.6 million illegal aliens to enter the country. The bill aims to prevent further abuse by blocking these individuals from accessing taxpayer-funded welfare and tightening federal welfare eligibility to safeguard taxpayer funds. On behalf of our three million members and supporters, I strongly support this legislation and urge its quick passage and enactment.” - Jenny Beth Martin, Honorary Chairman, Tea Party Patriots Action CatholicVote: “The Biden administration and Democrats have abused our nation's laws and our generosity, creating a growth in drug and human trafficking, resulting in a dangerous environment for American citizens. Sen. Lee, Budget Chairman Arrington, and Rep. Roy’s America First Act makes it very clear: we can welcome the stranger with open arms, but we will not reward criminal activity."" - Tom McClusky, Director of Government Affairs for CatholicVote",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/senate-passes-lee-led-bills-on-wildfire-research-and-glen-canyon-dam-impacts,SENATE PASSES LEE-LED BILLS ON WILDFIRE RESEARCH AND HYDROPOWER PRODUCTION,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Tonight, the Senate passed two bills led by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)— S.2151and S. 5000—by unanimous consent. These bills now await passage in the House. S.2151 will enhance wildfire research, while S.5000 addresses the harmful impacts of hydropower reductions at Glen Canyon Dam. “These bills reflect Utah’s unique regional challenges and our commitment to finding practical solutions,” said Senator Lee. “The Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act will equip us with better tools to combat wildfires, while S. 5000 ensures that federal agencies work together to balance needed hydropower generation with ecological conservation. I’m proud to see these measures advance through the Senate.” S.2151 - Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act This bill establishes a federal wildfire research institute at Utah State University to study wildfire ecology and develop innovative solutions to reduce wildfire risks. The institute will collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to improve forest and rangeland management and implement strategies for long-term ecological restoration. One-pager | Bill text S. 5000 – Addressing Glen Canyon Dam Hydropower and Environmental Impacts This bill establishes a memorandum of understanding between the Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, Western Area Power Administration, and the Colorado River Energy Distributors Association to analyze and address the impacts of the Glen Canyon Dam Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP). The LTEMP currently requires the dam to cease hydropower production during specific periods to protect a threatened fish species. This bill ensures that federal agencies and stakeholders work together to: Mitigate the loss of hydropower generation. Protect the Colorado River Basin’s resources and ecosystems. Balance energy production with species conservation. For bill text, click HERE",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1378,Rep. Maloy: Red Tape at the VA is Making it Difficult for Veterans to get their Eyeglasses,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"In a hearing with the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs today, Rep. Celeste Maloy (UT-02) questioned Hillary Peabody – Acting Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Integrated Veteran Care (IVC) – on the VA’s bureaucratic rulemaking that prevents rural veterans from receiving eyeglass fittings outside of VA facilities. Rep. Maloy: Thank you, Madam Chair. H.R. 1002, the See Act came about because I had a constituent in rural southern Utah who couldn't get to Salt Lake City to get his glasses. It was a 500-mile round trip. So, he can see a local eye doctor to get an eye exam, but he can't get his glasses fitted in southern Utah. So, in order to actually get his glasses, the VA will pay for mileage for him to drive to Salt Lake. They'll pay for a room for him to stay in Salt Lake, but they won't pay for him to go to a local eye doctor, get his glasses. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense. And my concern is that people in my district, most of which is very rural, are just going to not get eyeglasses because of bureaucratic rules that might make sense in a manual or on paper, but they don't make sense for veterans who need eyeglasses to be able to see. And I see from my notes here that the VA doesn't support this bill. So, I would ask you to reconsider that and to work with my team. And let's find ways to give good service to the people who've served our country. We owe them good health care. They want good health care, but they don't all live in Salt Lake City or in urban areas close to a VA hospital. I just want to maybe pile on what Mr. Rosendale has been saying, but I introduced the SEE Act to try to help veterans in rural areas get their eyeglasses, and the way it's working right now isn't convenient for the veterans. It's also not saving tax dollars. It seems like we should have one or the other, but it's more expensive to send someone from a rural area to an urban area to get their glasses, and it's also less convenient for the veteran. Then the notes I got back from the VA on this are that the VA doesn't support this bill because it's not necessary for the intended outcome, and the VA could do this under the current authority, but the VA hasn't done it under the current authority. And then later on, it says VA's contracts don't include fittings for eyeglasses. But they could. But they don't. And I've heard in the time I've been sitting here that you all want flexibility. You don't want Congress to tell you how to do this, because we're not flexible and you want to have flexibility. But I'm not seeing flexibility. What I'm saying is defensiveness of the way it's already done. And what we're asking for is better service for our veterans. I'll give you a second to respond. And then I've got another question. Ms. Peabody: Thank you. Thank you for raising that. And thank you to, I think a few committee members had raised that that issue was happening to us. So, the reason why we don't support the legislation as written is that for us to be able to resolve long term, what I think the issue is that you've raised, it's a contractual matter. It's not a matter of it needing to be codified as a, as a medical service. And we absolutely do consider eyeglass fittings as part of the veterans benefits package. Now, the specific issue that I think you're raising, which is that we did have veterans that were having to drive significant distances, particularly in places like Utah, to be able to get their fittings. We're committed to being able to provide low cost or no cost eyecare to veterans. And so the way this process has worked historically is a veteran would get their eye exam through a vision provider within VA. Or if they're eligible for community care, they would get that through the community. But we have a very competitively priced contract or set of contracts that allows us to procure the actual glasses. We do that part in VA. So they've created a gap on the part at the end, which is where they get the fitting. We have addressed this in the short term and are working on the long term fix to that. There's a few different ways we can do that. In the short term, we've made a modification to our standardized episode of care. There's a few of them for vision care, so that we are now able to pay for that through our Community Care Network contracts. In the long term, it could make sense to do that through those contracts. It could also make sense to bundle it with the glasses through a different contract. So, we're carefully weighing that right now.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-secures-passage-of-three-bills-in-major-win-for-utah/f0ecaf7d-e45c-4bd5-9662-27874639686a,Lee Secures Passage of Three Bills in Major Win for Utah,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Bills Headed to the President's Desk for Signature The Senate passed three bills led by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) that represent major wins for Utah’s infrastructure, natural resources, and public lands. The Great Salt Lake Stewardship Act, the Mountain View Corridor Completion Act, and the Utah State Parks Adjustment Act cleared both chambers of Congress without objection and now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. “These bills address some of the state’s most pressing needs—modernizing infrastructure, preserving the Great Salt Lake, and ensuring better management of our iconic state parks,” said Senator Lee. “I’m proud to see this bipartisan work advance to the President’s desk, where it will soon become law.” Great Salt Lake Stewardship Act Expands the Central Utah Project Completion Act’s water conservation program to include the entire Great Salt Lake drainage basin. The legislation unlocks tens of millions of dollars in unexpended budget authority to be used for conservation efforts critical to restoring the lake’s declining water levels. For bill text, click HERE Mountain View Corridor Completion Act Transfers over 200 acres of federally owned land to the State of Utah to enable the completion of the Mountain View Corridor, a vital highway project near Camp Williams. For bill text, click HERE Utah State Parks Adjustment Act Transfers parcels of federally owned land adjacent to Antelope Island, Fremont Indian, and Wasatch Mountain State Parks to the State of Utah. These adjustments will consolidate ownership, streamline land management, and enhance public access to these popular destinations. For bill text, click HERE ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/sens-lee-and-welch-urge-doj-ftc-to-investigate-fanduel-and-draftkings-for-anticompetitive-practices,"Sens. Lee and Welch Urge DOJ, FTC to Investigate FanDuel and DraftKings for Anticompetitive Practices",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Peter Welch (D-VT) released a letter calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate FanDuel and DraftKings for allegedly violating Section 1 of the Sherman Act's prohibition on coordination to construct or impair competition. ""FanDuel and DraftKings didn’t get their monopoly through a merger, so now they’re trying to achieve it by arguably acting as one company,” said Senator Mike Lee. ""By attempting to undermine fair competition, they are threatening innovation, limiting consumer choice, and stifling new entrants. American consumers deserve better, and it’s time for the DOJ and FTC to look into it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-introduces-bill-to-repeal-the-impoundment-control-act,Lee Introduces Bill to Repeal the Impoundment Control Act,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Supports President Trump’s Efforts to TackleExcessive and WastefulSpending WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced legislation to repeal the Impoundment Control Act (ICA) of 1974, a law that undermines the constitutional authority of the President to exercise fiscal restraint by declining to spend appropriated funds. Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) has introduced a companion bill in the House. ""The Impoundment Control Act is a Watergate-era relic of misguided overreach,"" said Senator Lee. ""For nearly two centuries, presidents exercised the authority to impound funds as a critical check on runaway spending. The ICA's unconstitutional limitations on this power have contributed to a fiscal crisis. Repealing this law will restore the balance of power envisioned by our Constitution and empower the President to reject wasteful, unnecessary spending by administrations that voters resoundingly rejected."" “Rolling back the unconstitutional Impoundment Control Act is one of the most effective ways Congress can help President Trump in the fight to deliver the spending cuts and government efficiency that the American people overwhelmingly voted for,” said Representative Clyde. “The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 has unjustly complicated the President’s constitutional impoundment authority for far too long. Every President from George Washington to Richard Nixon possessed this tool to cut wasteful spending until the ICA purported to divest the President of this critical power. In the fifty years since, America’s national debt and Washington’s spending habits have soared out of control. We must defend the presidential power of impoundment to get America’s fiscal house back in order.” Background Impoundment is the President’s constitutional authority under Article II of the Constitution to refuse to spend funds appropriated by Congress. This power was used by presidents from George Washington to Richard Nixon to cut wasteful spending, address emergencies, and protect taxpayer dollars. The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 was passed in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal and significantly constrained the President’s ability to impound funds, marking a fundamental shift in the separation of powers. Over the past five decades, federal spending has skyrocketed, contributing to a $36 trillion national debt, soaring interest payments, and persistently high inflation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1377,Congresswoman Celeste Maloy Selected to Serve on the House Committee on Appropriations,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, the House Steering Committee selected Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02) to serve on the consequential House Committee on Appropriations. Rep. Maloy released the following statement: “Being selected for the House Appropriations Committee is a huge honor and opportunity for me. I want to thank the Steering Committee for giving me this chance,” said Rep. Maloy. “I am eager to work with my colleagues on passing a fiscally sound and responsible budget. Serving on Appropriations will give me the chance to deliver on Utahns’ priorities.” Congresswoman Maloy worked for former Congressman Chris Stewart - an appropriator - for over four years as his chief legal counsel. She handled appropriations, community funding requests, and worked closely with appropriations staff and members. Prior to serving in Congress she worked as a deputy county attorney, a public lands and water attorney, and for ten years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She understands western issues and federal agencies inside and out. The Appropriations Committee has broad jurisdiction and constitutional authority over the nation's financial resources.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moore-joins-the-utah-delegation-in-welcoming-martha-hughes-cannons-statue-to-the-us-capitol,Congressman Blake Moore Joins the Utah Delegation in Welcoming Martha Hughes Cannon’s Statue to the U.S. Capitol,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON ­– Today, Congressman Blake Moore joined Speaker Mike Johnson and members of the Utah congressional delegation in welcoming Martha Hughes Cannon’s statue to the U.S. Capitol. Martha Hughes Cannon was a trailblazer for women as a physician, suffragist, and public health advocate, and she made American history when she joined the Utah State Senate as the first female state senator in 1896. “Martha Hughes Cannon was a champion for women in Utah and across the country, and this statue honors her legacy as our nation’s first female state senator and pioneer for women in medicine, civil rights, and politics, all while being a mother,” said Congressman Moore. “As the first woman to be elected to the Utah State Senate, Martha spent her career championing health care legislation, expanding access to education, and protecting the rights of women in the workforce. I am thrilled that her statue has finally arrived in Washington so the Capitol Building’s many visitors can learn more about Martha and her immense impact on Utah and our nation."" Background: Martha Hughes Cannon was born in Wales in 1857 and moved with her family to Utah in 1861. She began her career as a typesetter for the Deseret News before attending the University of Deseret (known today as the University of Utah) and earning an undergraduate degree in chemistry. At 23 years old, Martha earned her medical degree from the University of Michigan and graduate medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was the only female in a class of 75 students. After graduating, Martha returned to Salt Lake City where she opened a private health practice. In 1882, Martha became the head resident physician at Deseret Hospital and established Utah’s first nurse training school. She went on to become a notable leader in Utah’s suffrage movement, testifying before the United States legislative committee on Utah women’s suffrage. Martha was elected to the Utah State Senate in 1896 after defeating her own husband in the race. While in office, Martha established the state’s first board of health as well as Utah’s first school for the deaf and blind. She proposed several legislative bills that revolutionized Utah’s public health care and supported legislation that expanded access to education, protected the rights of women in the workforce, and strengthened Utah’s public health infrastructure. The Department of Health building in Salt Lake City is named in Martha’s honor. Martha Hughes Cannon is now the 14th woman to be honored in the U.S. Capitol. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moores-statement-on-final-house-passage-of-the-servicemember-quality-of-life-improvement-and-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2025,Congressman Blake Moore’s Statement on Final House Passage of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON ­– Today, Congressman Blake Moore issued the following statement following final House passage of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025: “As the House Representative of Hill Air Force Base (HAFB), ensuring the needs of Utah’s defense community are represented in Washington is one of my top priorities. I was honored to vote in support of the FY25 NDAA today to secure wins that will bolster our national security capabilities and support our servicemembers, including those in northern Utah. This bill takes meaningful steps to support HAFB’s mission, improve the lives of our military personnel and their families, and strengthen deterrence against adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. The FY25 NDAA maintains America’s global power and ensures our military is equipped to support our national security. This package supports the deployment of the National Guard to our Southern Border, deters China, combats antisemitism, supports Israel, cuts inefficient programs and bureaucracy, and guts woke policies at the Department of Defense (DOD), including the use of TRICARE funds to pay for transgender surgeries for minors. This package also addresses several quality-of-life issues for our servicemembers. The FY25 NDAA provides servicemembers with resources for critical housing upgrades, a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops, lower health care wait times, enhanced access to childcare, job support for military spouses, and more. Through my roles as Co-Chair of the House Depot Caucus and Air Force Caucus, I was able to negotiate and secure provisions that will directly benefit the men and women at HAFB and bolster the organic industrial base. I led efforts in the House to deliver major military construction improvements for HAFB, such as $28 million in authorized ‘cost to complete funds’ for an F-35/T-7A East Campus Infrastructure project and $50 million in authorized funds for a future T-7A Maintenance Complex. I was also pleased that the bill rejected the Biden Administration’s efforts to retire certain aircraft critical to Utah’s leadership role in national security such as the KC-135 tanker. Additionally, I led language requiring the Executive Branch to reveal its locality pay methodology and calculation methods for federal employees. My language directing the Department of the Air Force to transfer all supply chain management and maintenance responsibilities for F-15EX, F-22, F-35, and T-7A landing gear systems to the Air Force Sustainment Center was also included in this year’s NDAA. This provision will eliminate waste by ensuring that the U.S. Air Force has ultimate control over key landing gear repairs rather than relying on outside private contractors to manage it for them. It will provide a positive jolt to the organic industrial base and ensure fifth generation aircraft like the F-22 and F-35 are cost-effectively maintained. This year’s NDAA also authorizes full funding for the Sentinel program at HAFB and will bring 4,000 jobs to northern Utah to ensure the U.S. keeps pace with its nuclear modernization needs and renews the ground-based leg of the nuclear triad. However, I was greatly disappointed that my bill, the Retain Skilled Veterans Act, which was included in the House-passed version of the NDAA this summer, was pulled out in the final conference negotiation. This bill would have repealed the 180-day waiting period for retired military personnel to take civilian DOD jobs, which is critical for military depots like the Ogden Air Logistics Complex to hire qualified engineers and technicians. Congress’s continued failure to address this issue remains my number one complaint with the NDAA process, and I believe that military readiness will suffer until the DOD can properly compete with private industry for workforce talent. Overall, I’m grateful that the provisions in the FY25 NDAA will enhance the lives of our nation’s military members and their families while strengthening our national security. I was glad to support this bill’s passage and will continue to work with HAFB leadership and members of Utah’s defense community to advocate for their priorities.” Other Key Provisions in the FY25 NDAA: Authorizes over $1.2 billion to improve and build new barracks on military installations. Authorizes over $176 million for new childcare development centers on military installations Prohibits funding for the teaching, training, or promotion of Critical Race Theory in the military, including at service academies and DOD schools. Counters antisemitism by prohibiting the sale of goods at DOD commissaries and exchanges from any entities that have or are engaged in a boycott of Israel. Includes new investments in critical Army Ammunition Plants and depots that will strengthen our capacity to produce domestic munitions. Includes strong provisions to improve U.S. missile defense and prevent the Biden Administration from discontinuing legacy Block IB interceptor projects critical to maintaining deterrence in the Middle East and protecting our ally Israel. Continues support for the Baltic Security Initiative that will strengthen NATO’s Eastern flank, deter Russian aggression, and enhance joint interoperability with our Baltic state allies. Authorizes over $15 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to improve U.S. defensive posture in the Indo-Pacific and to address unfunded efforts in the budget for the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-congressman-blake-moores-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-congressional-access-to-economic-data,House Passes Congressman Blake Moore’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Congressional Access to Economic Data,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON ­– Today, Congressman Blake Moore’s Increasing Baseline Updates Act passed the House of Representatives. This bipartisan bill will bolster Congress’s ability to make informed decisions about federal spending by requiring the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to produce at least two baseline updates each year, including one update with economic data. Having updated budget and economic figures will ensure Congress has the most up-to-date information to inform the appropriations process and other legislation. Congressman Moore was joined by Congressman Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) in introducing this legislation, and the bill unanimously passed the House Budget Committee in September. “Americans have made it abundantly clear that they welcome the Trump Administration’s efforts to rein in wasteful federal spending and lower our crippling national debt,” said Congressman Moore. “The Increasing Baseline Updates Act will help this critical initiative by enhancing Congress’s ability to make informed decisions during the budgeting process with more consistently updated data from the Congressional Budget Office. I thank Chairman Jodey Arrington and the Budget Committee for their overwhelming support of this bill, and I am thrilled it has officially passed the House!” ""We can’t get our fiscal house in order, responsibly steward taxpayers’ treasure, and address our national debt without fixing our broken budget process, which is exactly what Rep. Blake Moore’s legislative reform will help us achieve,"" said Chairman Jodey Arrington. Background: Under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, CBO is required to publish its baseline before February 15th of each year. The baseline is a projection of federal outlays and revenues under current and future fiscal years according to existing law. Despite the requirement for an annual baseline, there is no statutory obligation for CBO to provide a specific number of baseline updates, which are critical to ongoing policymaking in Congress. The last time CBO published a baseline update after July was 2020. This is problematic considering Congress’s tendency to pass government funding bills at the end of the calendar year. Additionally, the last time CBO published three baselines in a year was 2019. This leaves lawmakers relying on outdated information on the fiscal state of our nation. The Increasing Baseline Updates Act is an important step toward improving our budget process and returning to regular order. The text for the Increasing Baseline Updates Act can be found here. Watch Congressman Moore’s remarks on the House Floor here: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1376,Bipartisan Bill to Clean Up Abandoned Hardrock Mines Passes House,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, introduced by Reps. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK). This bill will establish a pilot program under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow “Good Samaritans” – such as non-profits, local governments, and state agencies – to obtain permits to clean up abandoned hardrock mines. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ""This legislation has been decades in the making,” said Rep. Maloy. “I'm grateful for the bipartisan support of my colleagues and the many stakeholders across the country who helped us achieve this milestone. With my bill in place, state agencies, non-profits, mining companies and other volunteers can clean up abandoned mines without being held liable by the EPA or undergoing extensive permitting requirements. Thanks to this bill, Utahns will have the freedom to make their state a safer and cleaner place."" “Despite having no legal or financial responsibility to do so, state agencies, non-profits, and advocates are eager to contribute to abandoned hardrock mine cleanup efforts,” said Rep. Peltola. “But, right now, over-burdensome permitting requirements bar them from doing so. Too often, government red tape prevents good work from getting done—that’s why passing our Good Samaritan bill is huge for mine cleanup throughout Alaska!” “Abandoned hardrock mines in Nevada and across the country are poisoning our waters, threatening tribal lands, and their hazardous landscapes have injured and killed Americans. For 25 years, Good Sam bills — which would clean up these mines — have stalled because of Washington politics. Today, Republicans and Democrats made history by finally empowering Good Samaritan organizations that are willing and able to assist this long overdue clean up,” said Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03). “Because of commonsense bipartisanship, our nation is now on a path to cleaner waters and safer landscapes."" ""I appreciate Congresswoman Maloy's leadership and work on this commonsense legislation. She has been a strong advocate in the House of Representatives for this effort to speed up the cleanup of abandoned hardrock mines by allowing state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and mining companies to act as Good Samaritans without the threat of a frivolous lawsuit under certain environmental laws,"" said Chairman Graves. This legislation has the support of 31 cosponsors. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Jim Risch (R-ID) reintroduced a companion piece of legislation in the Senate which passed earlier this year. “I introduced the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act with Senator Heinrich to remove unnecessary barriers to clean up long-abandoned mine sites in Idaho and across the United States. This work is long overdue. I am pleased to see our bill pass the House of Representatives with resounding bipartisan support and look forward to its swift signing into law,” said Sen. Risch. “For more than 25 years, Good Samaritans have tried to clean up abandoned mines but have faced significant hurdles and liability rules that hold them responsible for all the pre-existing pollution from a mine — despite having no involvement with the mines before their cleanup efforts. With today’s passage, we’ve now cleared one of the final hurdles preventing these groups from helping to protect the land, water, fish, and wildlife our communities rely on. This victory belongs to every single person who rolled up their sleeves to fix this longstanding injustice, and I’d like to thank those who have carried the baton to get us to this point. I am grateful for President Biden’s support of the bill, and his signature will allow Good Samaritans to get to work,” said Sen. Heinrich. Statements of Support for the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act: “This is a victory for common sense. Abandoned mines represent one of the most pervasive and least addressed water quality problems in the nation. Passage of Good Samaritan legislation will help those that had nothing to do with the creation of the pollution to clean it up for the benefit of downstream communities. We thank Representatives Maloy, Peltola, and Lee for their amazing leadership in seeing this across the finish line,” said Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited. “This important legislation has been years in the making and represents a major win for Utah’s citizens and the mining industry. The “Good Sam” bill has finally gotten across the finish line through the leadership of Congresswoman Celeste Maloy, the bill’s lead sponsor in the House of Representatives. Additionally, the bicameral legislation is co-sponsored by the entire Utah delegation—both in the House and Senate—showing true leadership from our state in advancing common sense solutions that protect the public, taxpayers, and industry,” said Brian Somers, President of the Utah Mining Association. “Today’s passage of bipartisan and bicameral Good Samaritan legislation out of the House of Representatives was the final step in securing a key solution to tackle the long-overdue cleanup of legacy abandoned mine sites. This bill, which passed the Senate unanimously, has been more than a decade in the making and will encourage the involvement of mining companies, conservation groups and local stakeholders in abandoned mine cleanup without fear of incurring additional legal liability. I look forward to the President signing this bipartisan bill into law allowing for responsible, much-needed land and water remediation efforts,” said Rich Nolan, President and CEO of the National Mining Association. “Western Governors have supported the creation of legal protections for Good Samaritans since at least 1995,” Jack Waldorf, the Executive Director of the Western Governors’ Association, said. “Hardrock mine reclamation is vitally important to the health of western communities and ecosystems and the pilot program proposed in the bill would remove one of the main impediments preventing Good Samaritans, such as state agencies, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners from cleaning up abandoned mine sites. We applaud Rep. Maloy’s efforts in getting this bill across the finish line.” “AEMA celebrates today’s passage of the bipartisan Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hard Rock Mines Act, the culmination of nearly three decades of work by a broad range of stakeholders. Our members are proud to collaborate with the conservation community, states, and the federal government to address the cleanup of historic pre-regulation sites. This pilot program provides an opportunity to demonstrate that the process can work so we can progress to a broader Good Sam bill in the near future. I’d like to congratulate and thank Senators Risch and Heinrich, and Representatives Maloy and Peltola for their leadership, and all the bipartisan cosponsors for getting this important legislation across the finish line,” said Mark Compton, Executive Director of the American Exploration and Mining Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moore-to-co-chair-the-doge-caucus,Congressman Blake Moore to Co-Chair the DOGE Caucus,2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON ­– Congressman Blake Moore will serve as Co-Chair of the Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus for the 119th Congress alongside Co-Chairs Congressman Aaron Bean (R-FL) and Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX). The caucus will work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut wasteful government spending, eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic regulations, and reorganize inefficient federal agencies. “On the House Ways and Means and Budget committees, I have been laser focused on addressing our crippling national debt, rooting out wasteful government spending, and getting our fiscal house back in order,” said Congressman Moore. “With the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency, we have a great opportunity before us to identify areas of government inefficiency, cultivate a solutions-first approach to our challenges, and reform our systems to better steward our resources and serve the American people. I am honored to Co-Chair the DOGE Caucus with Congressman Aaron Bean and Congressman Pete Sessions, and alongside Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, President Trump, and our Senate partners, we will make America efficient again.” “Our national debt has surpassed a staggering $36 trillion and should be a wakeup call for all Americans. We must take action to avoid diving headfirst off the cliff of fiscal ruin,” said Congressman Bean. “The DOGE Caucus will work with President Trump, Elon Musk, and Vivek Ramaswamy to dismantle the out-of-control bureaucracy, cut wasteful programs, slash excess regulations, and restructure federal agencies. As a Co-Chair for the House DOGE Caucus, I look forward to partnering with Congressman Moore to help rein in reckless spending and stop the abuse of taxpayer dollars.” “As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, it has been my priority to identify and stop ongoing waste, fraud, and abuse in our government,” said Congressman Sessions. “According to a report from the GAO, there has been over $2.7 trillion in fraud and improper payments since 2003. This is an absolutely unacceptable misuse of taxpayer dollars. Hardworking Americans deserve a government that works efficiently and effectively. I am looking forward to working with Congressman Bean and Congressman Moore and serving as Co-Chair of the DOGE Caucus to continue my commitment in rooting out inefficiency in our government.” The DOGE Caucus has launched its tipline and is asking the American people for their insights into how DOGE can best maximize government efficiency and cut excess spending. The tipline is DOGE@mail.house.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/12/lee-introduce-forest-service-accountability-act,Lee Introduces Forest Service Accountability Act,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Pushes for Senate Confirmation of Forest Service Chief WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Forest Service Accountability Act, legislation designed to bring greater transparency and public accountability to the leadership of the U.S. Forest Service. The bill would change the Chief of the Forest Service position from a career appointment to a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed role. “The Forest Service oversees nearly 200 million acres of public land—an area larger than the state of Texas—that directly impacts the livelihoods and lifestyles of millions of Americans, including thousands in Utah,” said Senator Lee. “From grazing and recreation to timber harvesting and wildfire management, the Chief of the Forest Service has an immense influence on the daily lives of Americans. It’s time for this position to be accountable to the people affected by its decisions through their elected representatives in Congress.” The Forest Service Accountability Act reflects the evolution of the Forest Service’s mission over the years, from focusing on commodity production to managing vast natural resources and public lands. Recognizing this shift, the bill ensures that the Chief is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, allowing Congress—and the public—to have a say in the agency’s leadership. Since its establishment in 1905 under the Department of Agriculture, the Forest Service has been overseen by a Chief appointed internally by the Secretary of Agriculture. Senator Lee’s legislation recognizes the need for updated oversight that aligns with the agency’s significant impact on public lands and natural resources management. Key Provisions of the Forest Service Accountability Act: Requires the President to nominate a Chief of the Forest Service, subject to Senate confirmation Establishes qualification criteria, requiring nominees to have substantial experience and demonstrated competence in forest and natural resource management Refers nominations to both the Senate Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for thorough review Mandates the President to submit a nomination for the position within 30 days of the bill’s enactment Bill text | One-pager",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1374,House Passes Maloy Bill to Return Parcels of Federally Owned Land in Utah to the State,2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, the House passed Congresswoman Celeste Maloy’s (UT-02) bill, The Utah State Parks Adjustment Act. This bill would return the titles for several parcels of federally owned land in and around three Utah State Parks to the State of Utah, consolidating ownership and improving land management. “Utah State Parks, managed by Utahns with a deep knowledge of the land, are well cared for and maintained. However, having federal lands interspersed throughout these parks has made effective management more challenging. I’m pleased to see the House pass the Utah State Parks Adjustment Act, returning these land parcels to state control,” said Rep. Maloy. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a companion piece of legislation in the Senate. ""The House's passage of the Utah State Parks Adjustment Act is an encouraging win for all Utahns and demonstrates what we can accomplish when local voices are at the forefront,"" said Senator Lee. ""I look forward to advancing this bill in the Senate to return these parcels to state control, streamline land management, and empower Utahns to steward the lands they know and love."" This bill would: Convey three parcels of land from the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service to the State of Utah for inclusion in Antelope Island State Park, Wasatch Mountain State Park, and Fremont Indian State Park. These parcels are all in holdings or located directly adjacent to Utah State Park boundaries. Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1373,House Passes Maloy Bill Allowing Court to be Held in Moab and Monticello,2024-12-02,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, the House passed Reps. Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and John Curtis’ (UT-03) bill – H.R. 8666 – to authorize additional federal case locations in Moab and Monticello, Utah. The Central Division of Utah’s existing places of holding court include Ogden, Salt Lake City, Provo, and St. George. Residents of Southern Utah are regularly excused from federal jury duty due to burdensome travel requirements. H.R. 8666 will amend Title 28 of the United States Code to authorize holding court for the Central Division of Utah in Moab and Monticello. “Without this bill authorizing court proceedings in Moab and Monticello, southeastern Utahns must drive several hours to appear before a federal judge or serve jury duty. I’m glad the House passed this bill allowing the Central Division of the District of Utah to hold court in these rural areas, which would save Utahns time and money,” said Rep. Maloy. “Law and order is a cornerstone of the Constitution, and ensuring that all Utahns have equal access to justice is essential. This bill addresses the challenges that southeastern Utah residents face, harkening back to the values of our pioneer ancestors who laid the foundation of our great state. Just as they built communities, we must ensure that the justice system serves all Utahns, no matter where they live. With this bill’s passage, we can ensure that rural Utahns have fair opportunities for a speedy trial and can fulfill their civic duties without undue burden,” said Rep. Curtis. The Judicial Conference of the United States wrote in support of H.R. 8666 here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/11/senators-lee-tuberville-and-marshall-demand-accountability-from-secretary-mayorkas-on-border-caused-tuberculosis-surge,"Senators Lee, Tuberville, and Marshall Demand Accountability from Secretary Mayorkas on Border-Caused Tuberculosis Surge",2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Roger Marshall (R-KS) sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, holding him accountable for a surge in tuberculosis (TB) cases across the United States due to lax enforcement of border laws under the Biden-Harris administration. The senators make clear that this administration's policies are jeopardizing public health, risking a re-emergence of TB along with violent crime, human trafficking, and drug smuggling as a direct result of an unsecured border. “The Biden-Harris administration’s destruction of America’s southern border has resulted in violent crime, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and now a surge in a disease that was declining for nearly three decades before they took power,” said Sen. Lee. “Secretary Mayorkas must answer for his part in this disaster.” “For the past 4 years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have willfully opened our borders, allowing millions of criminals, murderers, drug dealers, and terrorists to flood into our country unchecked,” said Sen. Tuberville. “As a result, innocent Americans like Laken Riley and Jocelyn Nungaray have been brutally murdered by illegal aliens. But it doesn’t stop there – there have been no health screenings of these populations. Since the creation of the administration’s illegal parole programs, we have seen a 16% rise in Tuberculosis cases between 2022 and 2023 alone. How many more Americans have to needlessly lose their lives before the Biden-Harris administration will take the open border seriously? I join my Republican colleagues in calling on Secretary Mayorkas, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris to secure the border and save American lives.” “When Secretary Mayorkas became the Homeland Security Secretary, he solemnly vowed to protect the United States. He has failed. Millions of illegal aliens have crossed our southern border, spreading not only crime but also deadly diseases like tuberculosis that can threaten the lives of American citizens,” said. Sen. Marshall. “We cannot allow Secretary Mayorkas to continue to put the American people at risk. Secretary Mayorkas, along with President Biden and Vice President Harris, must take immediate action to close the southern border to protect Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1352,Rep. Maloy and Colleagues Introduce Bill to Investigate How PBMs Unfairly Audit Pharmacies,2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Reps. Celeste Maloy (R-UT), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) introduced the Pharmacy Audit and Compensation Transparency (PhACT) Act directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to thoroughly investigate how Pharmacy Benefit Managers audit pharmacists and make recommendations for more transparency and fairness. “Independent pharmacies are essential to Main Streets in Utah and across the country. But many have been forced to close their doors thanks to unfair PBM audits that lack clear metrics,” said Rep. Maloy. “My bill will increase transparency and help us find policy solutions, so pharmacists don’t have to worry about being able to provide for their patients or make a living.” ""Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have been taking advantage of independent pharmacies for years through opaque business practices, including their unfair audits of independent pharmacies,"" said Rep. Krishnamoorthi. ""This behavior has forced the closure of thousands of community pharmacies and denied necessary prescription drug coverage to millions of Americans. I am proud to join Congresswoman Maloy in shedding light on PBM audit practices to ultimately benefit independent pharmacists in Illinois and across the country."" “As a pharmacist, I know firsthand how PBMs often use aggressive audit practices as a weapon to harass independent small pharmacies and claw back reimbursements for their own financial gain,” said Rep. Harshbarger. “I also hear from constituents about how PBMs use trivial findings from endless audits to justify kicking a patient's preferred local pharmacy from their insurance coverage. For community pharmacists, it’s like playing a high-stakes game without knowing the rules—or worse, with no rules at all! That’s why I’m proud to help introduce the Pharmacy Audit and Compensation Transparency Act, which will require a comprehensive study of PBM audit practices and recommend fair, transparent, and accountable guidelines.” “The Utah Pharmacy Association (UPhA) which represents hundreds of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians across Utah, including many pharmacy owners, is very appreciative of Congresswoman Maloy and her work on PBMs and PBM audits,” said Adam Jones, Executive Director of the Utah Pharmacy Association. “The Pharmacy Audit and Compensation Transparency Act which directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a thorough investigation of PBM audits and make recommendations for fairness and transparency is a step in the right direction to help keep pharmacy doors open. We know that it doesn’t immediately solve the issues facing pharmacy but provides tools to help government make decisions benefiting pharmacies and patients. There is much that needs to be done to keep pharmacy doors open and providing opportunities for transparency and proper audit reviews and reimbursements by PBMs is crucial. Congresswoman Maloy’s work on this topic and her willingness to have conversations with the pharmacy profession shows her dedication to finding solutions for the people that she represents in Utah.” “Audits of pharmacies are often used as an additional revenue source for PBMs, a bullying tactic that targets community pharmacies and recoups vast sums of money for what are often nothing more than harmless clerical errors. Unfortunately, audits are becoming broader, more frequent and increasingly aggressive. NCPA is thankful to Representatives Maloy, Krishnamoorthi, and Harshbarger for introducing this legislation, pushing for transparency into this exploitative PBM practice, and working to lessen the burden on pharmacies,” said Anne Cassity, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at the National Community Pharmacists Association. Background: When pharmacists sell medicines to insured customers the insurance companies reimburse Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) who in turn reimburse pharmacists. PBMs – the middlemen of drug pricing – often audit pharmacists when issuing these reimbursements. These audits lack clear metrics and often include requirements without clear medical rationale. Pharmacists widely report these audits are a pretense for withholding additional reimbursement funds. PBMs have been reimbursing independent and other retail community pharmacists at lower rates each year for nearly a decade. In some cases, these reimbursements have fallen to lower than the cost of the medicines. Many pharmacists report failing PBM audits as the primary reason they cannot stay in business. More than 2,000 pharmacies closed in 2024, and one in three independent pharmacists are considering closing their doors for good. The PhACT Act will ensure that Congress crafts the right policy to make these audits fair and more transparent for independent pharmacists across the country. Full text of the legislation can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1339,Rep. Maloy Introduces Bill Making it Easier for Rural Veterans to Access Eyeglass Fittings,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Reps. Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) introduced the Servicemembers' Eyeglasses Efficiency Act (SEE Act). This bill would add eyeglass lens fittings to the list of medical treatments covered by the Veterans Community Care Program, increasing access to care for millions of veterans in remote areas. “Veterans in rural Utah have expressed frustration about having to travel hundreds of miles just to be fitted for eyeglasses. Making this basic service more accessible is a good step towards improving healthcare for our veterans,” said Rep. Maloy. ""The SEE Act is a great example of how representative government should work: finding a solution to a federal problem raised by the people we represent.” “Veterans in rural Wisconsin should not have to drive hours to Tomah, Madison, or Milwaukee for a simple eyeglass fitting. I have made a commitment to our veterans to improve their healthcare and quality of life, and that is why I am proud to join Rep. Maloy in introducing the SEE Act. This legislation is a practical step toward ensuring veterans can access the care they deserve, without unnecessary barriers,” said Rep. Van Orden. You can find the full text of the bill here and a one pager here. Reps. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and John Curtis (UT-03) are original cosponsors. “I’ve heard from many Central Oregon veterans concerned with a lack of accessible health care. Supporting community care fixes this problem by allowing them to find care in their communities without traveling to a VA facility. I’m proud to cosponsor the SEE Act, which would improve eye care options for our nation’s veterans by expanding community care coverage,” said Rep. Chavez-DeRemer. “Current VA guidelines do not cover veterans' eyeglass fittings outside of a VA facility. With a quarter of veterans living in rural areas, that is a burden for millions who served our nation. The SEE Act would give veterans more flexibility and save the VA money in travel and lodging reimbursement costs. As an Ophthalmologist and a veteran from Iowa, I am proud to join Rep. Maloy in supporting the SEE Act to give veterans enhanced access to eyecare,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “Requiring veterans in Utah to travel hundreds of miles for eyeglass fittings is nonsense. I’m pleased to support legislation making healthcare just a little more accessible for our veterans, who deserve convenient and quality care after their service to our country,"" said Rep. Curtis. ""I'm a 100% disabled purple heart veteran who's recovering from a back surgery with 3"" screws, and the optometrist in St. George said I needed to drive 300 miles to Salt Lake to get fitted for eyeglasses frames. I can't ride in a car for 5 hours with my back,"" said Utah based veteran Bruce Bissell. Background: A quarter of U.S. vets (6.4 million) live in rural parts of the country and one third wear glasses. VA Community Care Networks (CCNs), created by the Mission Act in 2018, allow some veterans to access basic care in their communities without traveling to VA facilities. However, the Mission Act only lists “optometric services” and “vision testing” as eyecare services covered by CCNs. The VA does not consider eyeglass fittings to be covered. As a result, veterans in rural parts of Utah are forced to drive upwards of 500 miles roundtrip for eyeglass fittings at VA facilities. Adding eyeglass fittings to the list of treatments covered by Community Care Networks would help veterans and save the VA money in travel and lodging reimbursement costs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/10/lee-rejects-biden-harris-bears-ears-plan,Lee Rejects Biden-Harris Bears Ears Plan,2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"""Local Stakeholders Sidelined in Misguided Management"" Washington, D.C. – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) responded to the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) finalization of the proposed management plan for the Bears Ears National Monument (BENM), a 1.36 million-acre monument in Southern Utah. Senator Lee criticized the plan, highlighting a lack of local input and its harmful impact on Utahns who depend on the land for their livelihoods. ""Once again, the Biden administration has imposed a one-size-fits-all management plan that disregards the voices of those who know the land best—Utahns,"" Senator Lee stated. ""While the administration has bent over backward to ensure input from special interests, it has failed to afford the same consideration to the people of Utah. These are public lands, yet the public most affected by these decisions—the ranchers, recreationists, and workers—has been sidelined."" Senator Lee noted that despite years of negotiation, the state of Utah and the federal government could not finalize the long-awaited land exchange with the State Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), a failure that he attributes to the administration's unwillingness to collaborate in good faith. ""This plan is the latest in a long line of top-down, federal overreach that prioritizes political agendas over real solutions. Utahns deserve better than to be treated as second-class citizens when it comes to managing their own lands."" Lee called on the administration to revisit the plan and give Utahns a true seat at the table.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/budget-committee-unanimously-passes-congressman-moores-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-congressional-access-to-budget-and-economic-figures,House Budget Committee Unanimously Passes Congressman Moore’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve Congressional Access to Economic Data,2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The House Budget Committee passed Congressman Blake Moore’s Increasing Baseline Updates Act by a unanimous vote of 32-0. This bipartisan piece of legislation will require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to produce at least two baseline updates each year, including one update with economic data. This will ensure Congress has the most up-to-date information on relevant budget and economic figures to inform the appropriations process and other legislation. Congressman Moore was joined by Congressman Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) in introducing this legislation. “I appreciate my Budget colleagues’ unanimous support of the bipartisan Increasing Baseline Updates Act. This legislation will bolster Congress’s ability to make informed decisions about federal spending based on updated budget and economic figures,” said Congressman Moore. “Returning to regular order is critical to reversing Washington’s debt culture, and this bill is a common-sense step toward improving the way we conduct business.” “This is another in a series of bipartisan, common-sense bills I have sponsored during the session. In the Budget Committee, we demonstrated that, by working together, Republicans and Democrats can still get results,” said Congressman Suozzi. “I was trained as a CPA; I am concerned about our budget and deficits. I know the importance of accuracy in budget estimates. If Congress and the public can get better data, we will be in a better position to fix our budgets. The latest CBO baseline anticipated that taxpayers will accumulate more than $22 trillion in deficit spending over the next ten years. If we are going to tackle our nation’s debt, we have to get serious about knowing where our problems are and what we can do to fix it.” Background: Under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974, CBO is required to publish its baseline before February 15th of each year. The baseline is a projection of federal outlays and revenues under current and future fiscal years according to existing law. Despite the requirement for an annual baseline, there is no statutory obligation for CBO to provide a specific number of baseline updates, which are critical to ongoing policymaking in Congress. The last time CBO published a baseline update after July was 2020. This is problematic considering Congress’s tendency to pass government funding bills at the end of the calendar year. Additionally, the last time CBO published three baselines in a year was 2019. This leaves lawmakers relying on outdated information on the fiscal state of our nation. The Increasing Baseline Updates Act is an important step toward improving our budget process and returning to regular order. The text to the Increasing Baseline Updates Act can be found here. Watch Congressman Moore’s committee remarks on the Increasing Baseline Updates Act here: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/moore-pappas-and-kiggans-introduce-the-bipartisan-state-boating-act,"Moore, Pappas, and Kiggans Introduce the Bipartisan State Boating Act",2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Blake Moore (UT-01), Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the bipartisan State Boating Act to ensure that states can collect boating fees during the boat registration and certificate of numbering process. These fees help fund programs to address aquatic invasive species, boating safety, search and rescue, and more. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Crapo (R-ID) and Risch (R-ID) have introduced a companion bill in the Senate. Most boats owned and operated on the waters of the United States must have either a Certificate of Documentation (COD) or a Certificate of Number (CON) on board when operating. Many states, like Utah, have collected fees for decades alongside the COD or CON fees which has enabled them to fund important boating and environmental programs, like aquatic invasive species, lake restoration, boating safety, and search and rescue efforts. Recently, the Coast Guard has blocked a number of states from collecting these boating fees alongside CON fees. The State Boating Act would make clear the ability of states to collect state boating fees alongside CON fees and registration. “In Utah and across the country, state fish and wildlife agencies work tirelessly to improve boater experience and safety,"" said Congressman Moore. ""In many cases, those activities are directly funded by state boating fees. By taking this funding stream away, the federal government is hindering the important work these state agencies do to improve boater programs, conduct search and rescue operations, and protect waterways from invasive species. I’m glad to work with my colleagues Congressman Pappas and Congresswoman Kiggans to right this wrong and allow our states to access the funding they need to do their jobs.” “For decades in New Hampshire, fees collected during the boating registration process have allowed the continued success of critical programs like boating safety, search and rescue operations, and efforts to address invasive species, keeping our waters and Granite Staters safe,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Representatives Kiggans and Moore that will cut the red tape for states to strengthen boating and water safety.” “Virginia’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways are home to more than 250,000 registered motorboats,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “In order for our local recreational boating industry to continue thriving, we need programs that address boating safety, search and rescue efforts, and invasive aquatic species. That’s why I joined Congressman Pappas in introducing the State Boating Act of 2024. This bipartisan bill will ensure states can support these critical programs by authorizing them to secure funding through the boat registration process. As a coastal Virginian, I’m proud to fight for commonsense policies that protect all of the incredible outdoor recreation activities the Commonwealth has to offer.” ""In Utah, we know firsthand how important it is for state fish and wildlife agencies to have the resources they need to prevent, detect, and respond to aquatic invasive species like quagga mussels,"" said Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Director Justin Shirley. ""And this benefits not just that state, but also others that share those water bodies. I commend Congressman Moore (R-UT), Congressman Pappas (D-NH), and Congresswoman Kiggans (R-VA) for introducing the State Boating Act, which will ensure states can continue to fund their aquatic invasive species programs without jeopardizing the boating safety grants they receive from the federal government."" ""For decades, states have used boating registration to collect fees that support vital programs to improve boating access, increase boater safety, and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems,"" said Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. ""We thank Congressman Pappas (D-NH), Congresswoman Kiggans (R-VA), and Congressman Moore (R-UT) for the introduction of the bipartisan State Boating Act, which will allow states to continue to collect these fees as a condition of boating registration. This ability allows states to create one simple transaction process for their customers while ensuring programs receive the critical funding needed.” This bipartisan legislation is supported by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the American Sailing Association, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, and the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/9/lee-introduces-the-safeguarding-our-stockpiles-act-to-restore-military-readiness,Lee Introduces the Safeguarding Our Stockpiles Act to Restore Military Readiness,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Safeguarding Our Stockpiles (SOS) Act to restore the original intent of Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) and ensure that U.S. military stockpiles are not depleted without adequate safeguards. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) is an original cosponsor of the bill. “We cannot risk America’s military readiness to fund unchecked foreign interventions,” said Senator Lee. “Presidential Drawdown Authority was meant to address short-term, unforeseen emergencies, not serve as a long-term strategy that leaves our own defenses vulnerable. The SOS Act requires accountability and ensures we are always prepared to defend the homeland.” Initially enacted in 1961 as part of the Foreign Assistance Act, PDA allows the President to transfer defense articles from U.S. stockpiles to meet unforeseen emergencies. The law was intended for, “unforeseen events or ones so uncertain that it would be inappropriate to budget for them” or “in situations where the only alternatives were to do nothing...” However, the recent overuse of PDA—particularly in providing military assistance to Ukraine—has exposed gaps in the law that leave America’s defense military readiness at risk. Since 2021, the U.S. has authorized nearly $24 billion in defense transfers to Ukraine through PDA, drawing down U.S. stockpiles in 57 separate instances. Our stockpiles cannot be replenished at the rate they are being depleted. The consistent drawdowns for Ukraine violate the original intent of PDA and threaten the readiness of the U.S. military in higher-priority theaters. Sen. Lee’s SOS Act would put critical guardrails on future uses of PDA by introducing the following key reforms: Defining an Unforeseen Emergency: The bill clarifies what qualifies as an “unforeseen emergency,” limiting PDA use to instances where a kinetic attack on a U.S. treaty ally poses an imminent threat to U.S. security interests. PDA usage would also be limited to 20 days. Prioritizing Stockpile Replenishment: The SOS Act ensures that the President cannot authorize transfers of defense equipment if there are insufficient resources to replenish the stockpiles. This guarantees that America’s own defense needs are not compromised by external commitments. Sunsetting Unused PDA: To prevent the misuse of drawdown authority, any unused portions of PDA and the authority to deliver weapons pursuant to open drawdown cases will automatically expire at the end of each fiscal year. New drawdowns would require renewed congressional authorization. Congressional Approval for Excess Drawdowns: The bill also mandates that Congress approve any use of PDA exceeding the traditional $100 million fiscal year cap on a case-by-case, country-specific basis. Additionally, Congress must authorize sufficient funding to replenish U.S. military stockpiles.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/9/lee-introduces-the-saving-privacy-act-to-protect-americans-financial-data,Lee Introduces the Saving Privacy Act to Protect Americans' Financial Data,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON –Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Saving Privacy Act, a bill to end government abuse of Americans’ financial information. For years, federal agencies have been overreaching in their surveillance, collecting vast amounts of personal financial data from law-abiding citizens without just cause. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is an original co-sponsor of the bill. “The federal government has no business surveilling the financial activities of millions of innocent Americans,” said Senator Lee. “The current system erodes the privacy rights of citizens, while doing little to effectively catch true financial criminals. My Saving Privacy Act ensures that Americans’ personal information is protected and that government agencies operate within the bounds of the Constitution.” “Big government has no place in law-abiding Americans’ personal finances. It is a massive overreach of the government and a gross violation of their privacy,” said Senator Rick Scott. “That is why I am teaming up with Senator Lee so that we can protect Americans’ personal financials for good. Our Saving Privacy Act will allow federal agencies to go after criminals while also protecting innocent Americans’ data. This is commonsense legislation, and I am urging my colleagues to support its immediate passage.” “This kind of reform restores the proper balance—as provided by the Fourth Amendment—between Americans’ privacy rights and law enforcement’s ability to gather evidence to enforce laws. It would protect individuals’ financial privacy and improve federal agencies’ abilities to prosecute criminal activity rather than sift through millions of low-value reports. This kind of reform is long overdue.” - Norbert Michel, Jennifer Schulp, and Nicholas Anthony of the Cato Institute “Financial privacy is of paramount importance in the digital age,” said Bryan Bashur, Director of Financial Policy for Americans for Tax Reform. “Lawmakers should support Sen. Lee’s efforts to further preserve financial privacy and prevent the federal government from easily accessing this information. Enacting this legislation will also protect consumers from other existential threats to financial privacy—such as tracking stock trading and electronic payment activity. ""Rather than forcing banks to hound their customers for cash withdrawals to purchase cars, pay rent, or simply live their lives, Senator Lee's Saving Privacy Act would restore consumer financial privacy and make reporting standards reasonable enough to still target malicious actors and criminals,"" said Yaël Ossowski, Deputy Director at the Consumer Choice Center. Government surveillance efforts have been largely ineffective, as demonstrated by the dismal success rate of suspicious activity reports (SARs) submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). In FY2023, financial institutions submitted 25.4 million SARs and currency transaction reports (CTRs), yet less than 0.3% of these reports resulted in relevant IRS-CI and FBI cases. In recent years, FinCEN and the FBI surveilled the financial transactions of individuals and solicited banks for information on purchases related to “Trump,” “MAGA,” firearms, and even religious texts. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has quietly been constructing a centralized database, the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT), designed to track every single stock market transaction and the personal information of millions of Americans without any congressional approval. Senator Lee’s bill, the Saving Privacy Act, seeks to curb these abuses and restore Fourth Amendment protections for all Americans. Key Provisions of the Saving Privacy Act: Repeals the Bank Secrecy Act’s SAR and CTR reporting requirements while maintaining recordkeeping provisions. Repeals the Corporate Transparency Act. Strengthens Fourth Amendment protections, bolstering warrant requirements in the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978. Repeals the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) database. Requires congressional approval for any new databases that collect personally identifiable information of U.S. citizens. Prohibits the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency. Requires congressional authorization for financial regulations deemed major rules. Institutes penalties for federal employees who illegally seek constitutionally protected financial information. Establishes a private right of action for Americans and financial institutions harmed by illicit government activity.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/9/lee-targets-privacy-loophole-with-student-voter-data-protection-act,Lee Targets Privacy Loophole with Student Voter Data Protection Act,2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Student Voter Data Protection Act, a bill to safeguard the personal data of college students from being exploited for partisan voter registration efforts. This legislation amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to explicitly prohibit students' private information from being shared without their consent for voter registration drives. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) is an original co-sponsor of the bill. In recent years, colleges and universities nationwide have participated in the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE), which compels institutions to hand over students' FERPA-protected data. This data is then passed through the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) and shared with third-party voter processing companies. Without student consent, these companies match student information with voter databases, returning lists of voters and non-voters to participating schools. ""College students' personal data should not be handed over to partisan organizations under the guise of civic engagement,"" said Senator Lee. ""These practices violate federal privacy laws, and my bill will close the loopholes that allow institutions to disregard the consent of their students."" The Student Voter Data Protection Act would amend FERPA to ensure that universities cannot share students' personally identifiable information for voter registration activities unless the student gives explicit consent. The legislation responds to ongoing concerns that organizations like Civic Nation, an affiliate of the Obama Foundation, are using this data to target student voters with left-leaning get-out-the-vote efforts. Key Provisions of the Bill: Amends FERPA to explicitly prevent universities from sharing student data without consent for voter registration purposes. Ensures that voter registration efforts do not exploit students' private information for partisan gain. Protects college students from being targeted based on their voting history or registration status. The introduction of the Student Voter Data Protection Act follows concerns that the NSLVE initiative has been used to create a voter profile of students, often without their knowledge or consent, to fuel politically motivated campaigns. By tightening FERPA protections, the Student Voter Data Protection Act seeks to preserve the integrity of student privacy and ensure that educational institutions adhere to federal privacy laws.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1311,Rep. Maloy Applauds Committee Passage of Her Legislation to Streamline Federal Permitting,2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Representatives Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) applaud the passage of their bill, the Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement (FREE) Act, in the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. This bill establishes a permit-by-rule system to streamline the federal permitting process. “This bill would have a big impact on Utah where much of our land is federally owned. Projects that would improve the day-to-day lives of Utahns are slowed down by an outdated, federal permitting process. My bill will streamline this process and spur innovation and economic growth in Utah and beyond. Passing the FREE Act through committee is an important step in moving this bill forward,” said Rep. Maloy. “I’m glad the FREE Act quickly passed the Oversight Committee, bringing this much-needed legislation one step closer to becoming law. By cutting unnecessary red tape and implementing a streamlined permitting process, this legislation would prevent project delays that get in the way of economic growth and development. I’ll keep working with Congresswoman Maloy to get this bill across the finish line,” said Rep. Chavez-DeRemer. Reps. Maloy and Chavez-DeRemer are joined by 24 co-sponsors from across the nation. Background: A “permit-by-rule” system allows applicants to certify their compliance to permitting rules following pre-established criteria. This process places the burden of proving applications meet standards on the agencies instead of the applicants. Under permit-by-rule, agencies must grant all permit applications that meet objective permit standards within 30 days, or the permit will be automatically granted. Agencies can still deny applicants that do not meet requirements and may verify compliance. The FREE Act directs federal agencies to evaluate their permits and report to Congress within 240 days with an assessment of whether permit-by-rule can replace their current systems or make a thorough justification why not. Agencies must then adopt PBR within 12 months for the eligible permits. Reps. Maloy and Chavez-DeRemer wrote an op-ed on the FREE Act which you can read here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moore-introduces-legislation-to-address-military-housing-affordability,Congressman Blake Moore Introduces Legislation to Address Military Housing Affordability,2024-09-19,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON ­– Today, Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) introduced the Low Income Housing for Defense Communities Act of 2024, a bipartisan piece of legislation to address military housing affordability by diversifying housing options for servicemembers serving in high-cost areas. Congressman Moore was joined by Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) in introducing this bill. “When I got onto the Ways and Means Committee, Clearfield Mayor Mark Shepherd approached me with an idea to address the housing affordability challenges burdening our lower-enlisted servicemembers. Since then, my team and I ran with his idea and drafted legislation that we are introducing today. The Low Income Housing for Defense Communities Act will bring much needed relief and productivity to military families serving near major bases. I am so grateful Mayor Shepherd approached me with this idea, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done advancing it to this point,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “Housing has become a national security issue, as it impacts the readiness of Hill Air Force Base (HAFB) in Utah’s First District. As hundreds of lower-enlisted servicemembers are struggling to afford housing near the base and officers are being forced to turn down assignments in Utah because of the difficult real estate market, this bill will spur development interest for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit construction near large installations like HAFB. I thank Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) for her partnership in introducing this bill, and I look forward to seeing this bill make a meaningful impact in the lives of our servicemembers in Utah and across the nation.” “Servicemembers and their families should be able to afford to live where they are stationed. This is important for their quality of life, and affects readiness,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. “This credit encourages the building of more affordable housing near large military installations.” This legislation will diversify the housing options available to lower-enlisted servicemembers serving in high-cost areas while also creating an increased Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) for buildings located within 15 miles of large military installations. Reps. Moore and Strickland have partnered with local stakeholders to create an additional arm of the LIHTC program to stimulate developer interest in building affordable housing near military installations. “Across the nation, our military members continue to struggle with housing. Their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) continues to fall short of the rents in the surrounding communities, and as such, two, three and even four Airmen are forced to share an apartment so they can afford the rent. While there may be low-income housing in the areas surrounding the installations, the list of applicants for these units is long and the military members either won’t qualify because their BAH is included in their income calculations or they are so far down the list that they have been relocated to their next assignment before they make it to the top of the list,” said Clearfield Mayor Mark Shepherd. “This bill will allow developers using Low Income Housing Tax Credits to build high quality rental units where the military members can have priority for the units. It also allows those military members to qualify for existing housing, in areas where it is available, by changing the income calculation to exclude their housing allowance. Having our military members who have volunteered to put their lives on the line to defend our nation live in sub-par housing, or struggle to afford food because all of their available income goes to housing, sends the wrong message to the military members and to the communities in which they live. I applaud Congressman Moore on his commitment to ensure our military members are treated with dignity and respect when it comes to their housing needs."" “We appreciate Congressman Moore’s attention to the growing affordable housing crisis, and his commitment to finding a solution based on what we know works – the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit,” said Emily Cadik, CEO of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition. “Military families are experiencing the same challenges finding affordable housing faced by millions of Americans, and expanding affordable housing supply through this proven program would provide sorely needed relief.” Background: Constrained by geographic limitations and military installation footprint, housing development around many growing defense communities is unaffordable for lower-enlisted service members. At the same time, the MILCON backlog and military dormitory crisis has resulted in servicemembers being forced off base to seek housing they cannot afford. Fueled by pandemic population shifts and Department of Defense programs at Hill Air Force Base, Utah experienced a 27% increase in housing costs and 18% increase in population in 2021 alone. Accordingly, approximately 70% of Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s population in Washington, which consists of nearly 55,000 personnel, live off base. The bill excludes BAH from the income calculation for LIHTC purposes. While BAH provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local markets, this provision would help military members secure housing in existing and future LIHTC properties for which they may not otherwise qualify. With anecdotal evidence suggesting that military members are hesitant to self-identify as “low-income,” the bill’s intent is to help classify lower-enlisted military members as low-income households. The bill also provides any development within 15 miles of a qualifying military installation with a 30% “basis boost” under Section 42D of the Internal Revenue Code. This would encourage additional new LIHTC development near “Large Site” military bases such as Hill Air Force Base and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. “Large Sites” are defined in the DOD’s Annual Base Structure Report as having a total Plant Replacement Value (PRV) of greater than $2.833 billion. The bill text can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1310,House Committee Passes Bipartisan Maloy Bill to Cleanup Abandoned Hardrock Mines,2024-09-19,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has passed the bipartisan Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act by unanimous consent. The bill, introduced by Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) in the House, will establish a pilot program under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow “Good Samaritans” – such as non-profits, local governments, and state agencies – to obtain permits to clean up abandoned hardrock mines. “This bill is a win for Utah. Right now, ‘Good Samaritans’ are not legally able to clean up abandoned hardrock mines, stopping remediation efforts before they even begin. Passage of this bill was the necessary next step towards allowing the cleanup of thousands of abandoned hardrock mine sites scattered across Utah and the West without the threat of taking on liability from the EPA. I will continue working with my House colleagues to make sure we get it across the finish line,” said Rep. Maloy. “Despite having no legal or financial responsibility, state agencies, non-profits, and advocates are eager to contribute to abandoned hardrock mine cleanup efforts, but over-burdensome permitting requirements bar them from doing so. Too often, government red tape prevents good work from getting done—that’s why passing our Good Samaritan bill out of committee is a great step forward,” said Rep. Peltola. ""There are hundreds of thousands of abandoned mine sites throughout the United States,"" said Chairman Sam Graves. ""The Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024 is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that will help accelerate the clean-up at abandoned hardrock mines by providing a liability shield for those undertaking remediation projects. I want to thank Congresswoman Maloy for leading this effort in the House and working to address this issue."" This legislation is co-led by Reps. John Curtis (R-UT), Blake Moore (R-UT), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Susie Lee (D-NV), and Jim Costa (D-CA). Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Jim Risch (R-ID) reintroduced a companion piece of legislation in the Senate. “Today’s passage of my bill with Senator Heinrich, the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is another step toward this commonsense legislation becoming law,” said Sen. Risch. “This bill will empower Good Samaritans to conduct vital remediation work at long abandoned mine sites, and I urge the House of Representatives to vote on this legislation immediately. My sincere thanks to Representatives Maloy and Peltola for their efforts in guiding this legislation through the committee.” “Tens of thousands of abandoned mines continue to threaten our communities and pollute the land, water, fish, and wildlife we rely on. We should be empowering ‘Good Samaritan’ organizations who want to step up to help clean them up,” said Sen. Heinrich. “I’m proud to see our commonsense, bipartisan legislation that would create a path for these groups to clean up abandoned mine sites in New Mexico and across our country move one step closer to final passage in the House. I won’t stop working on this until we get this through the House and to the President.” “We appreciate the strong leadership of Representatives Maloy and Peltola on this important issue. Western Governors have supported legal protections for Good Samaritans since at least 1995,” said, Jack Waldorf, the Executive Director of the Western Governors’ Association. “This bipartisan and bicameral legislation will pave the way for a comprehensive mechanism to address thousands of hazardous abandoned mine sites throughout the West and across the country. We are pleased to see the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee move this bill forward and encourage the remaining Committees to do the same to expedite its consideration by the full House.” Background: There are over 140,000 remnants of abandoned hardrock mines on federal land with at least 22,500 that pose health and environmental risks. Utah could have between 8,000 and 11,000 abandoned hardrock mines on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands, but a complete inventory has not been conducted. “Good Samaritans” are those who have no ownership or previous involvement in the creation of these historic mines. These permits will allow cleanup projects to move forward and ensure Good Samaritans have the skills and resources they need to complete permitted work. This program is designed for low-risk projects that will improve water or soil quality or otherwise protect human health and the environment.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1309,Rep. Maloy: I'm Concerned About the SBA Being Unwilling to Help Utah’s Small Businesses,2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"In a hearing with the House Small Business Committee today, Rep. Celeste Maloy questioned SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman about the lack of responsiveness from the Small Business Administration as Utah tries to partner with them to help small businesses in the state thrive. Rep. Maloy: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Administrator Guzman, thanks for being here. You've heard from a lot of my colleagues. I'm not going to go over everything they've already brought up. I just want to say I share the concerns of my colleagues about SBA being involved in elections and in things that are outside the mission of the SBA for structural reasons by themselves, but also because I'm concerned about the SBA being focused on helping small businesses. I represent Utah's Second District. Utah is a really business friendly state, very entrepreneurial. And our state, our state legislature, our governor's office, worked really hard to create a business-friendly environment that fosters small businesses in Utah, and I have never heard them say anything about wanting more federal involvement in anything, but they are excited about being able to partner with the SBA to help small businesses. Nobody ever asks me about Project 2025. I've never read it. It's not something that I'm concerned about, but I am concerned about making sure the small businesses thrive in in Utah, including family farms. I do hear a lot from constituents about wanting to be able to hand down family farms. I hear a lot from Utahns about wanting to make sure their small business takes off, that they can support their families. And to that end, our state and our chambers have been excited to be part of SBDC, small business development centers. And what I'm hearing is that they like the idea. They're disappointed with the execution of it. They feel like SBA isn't being very responsive. So the state, understandably, wants to be able to monitor goals and metrics of success, annual reports, things like that, but they found the SBA unresponsive and unwilling to be a true partner. And the end goal should be the same for the state, for higher ed in Utah, for SBA in Utah, that we want to create an environment where small businesses can thrive. So what I want to know today is, are you going to commit to investigating and correcting the lack of responsiveness from SBA to the state entities that their partners with, that they've signed agreements with, and what can we do to help make that happen? Administrator Guzman: I’m happy to look into what's happening with our Utah SBDC. We award these on a state basis, and then they have sub grants to multiple entities around the state. In having managed the program in California and working directly with the SBDCs out there, I'm happy to provide support. And Governor Cox and I have had conversations about the importance of investing in small business and pleased to see some of our advancements in Utah. Our very first accrual SBIC was launched in Utah with Pelion Ventures, and so I'd be happy to follow up on that to understand what's happening with our SBDCs. But we grant them funds. They choose their partnerships locally. They are independent nonprofits, but I'm happy to explore. I'm sure they would be as well. Rep. Maloy: Yeah, I know there are independent nonprofits, but they have felt like the administration hasn't been really helpful as a partner. And if we're going to have a federal agency helping foster small businesses, I want to make sure that it's actually working for the small businesses in Utah, so I will have my staff follow up with you, and we'll work together with the state and iron that out and make sure it's actually working. Administrator Guzman: Great. Rep. Maloy: Thank you. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1303,House Committee Passes Rep. Maloy Bill to Hold Agencies Accountable for Regulations Harming Small Businesses,2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"The House Small Business Committee passed HR 9032 – the Enhanced Regulatory Flexibility Assessment Act, a bill introduced by Rep. Celeste Maloy that would require federal agencies to study and provide more detailed reports on the effects new rules and regulations have on small businesses. Rep. Maloy testified on behalf of this legislation during a hearing with the House Small Business Committee. In her remarks she said that the bill will help Main Street America by forcing agencies to assess the economic impact their rules will have on small businesses and respond to concerns from Congress. Watch her full remarks here. The Enhanced Regulatory Flexibility Assessment Act has garnered support from the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce, the Rural Utah Chamber Coalition, and the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Each wrote a letter of support. See below: · St. George Area of Commerce · Cedar City Chamber of Commerce · Rural Utah Chamber of Commerce · Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity Background: The House Committee on Small Business recently released the results of a three-year investigation detailing agency noncompliance. The investigation found that agencies improperly certify rules to avoid RFA requirements, underestimate regulatory costs to small businesses, fail to assess whether rules are duplicative, and refuse to comply with Congressional oversight requests.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1308,Rep. Maloy Sponsors Bill Increasing Access to Court in Moab and Monticello,2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and colleagues introduced the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2024 (JUDGES Act), which included Rep. Maloy’s bill – HR 8666 – to authorize additional federal case locations in Utah. “Utahns raised concerns with me about the distance they have to travel to get to court or participate on a jury. That’s why I worked to ensure the Judges Act includes a provision allowing court to be held in Moab and Monticello, Utah. This is representative government in action,” said Rep. Maloy. The Judicial Conference of the United States wrote in support of HR 8666 here. The Judges Act will also add critically needed federal judgeships to resolve currently understaffed and backlogged courts. “A severe shortage of judges eventually delivers an array of complications to our courts – and over time, the problem only grows worse until justice is routinely delayed and therefore denied,” said Rep. Issa, Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. “The JUDGES Act will deliver immediate relief, a longer-term solution, and a sustainable plan that will prevent this crisis from happening again.” “To ensure the orderly administration of justice, Congress must pass the bipartisan JUDGES Act,” said Congressman Nehls. “Our federal district courts are experiencing severe judicial shortages, causing many Americans, including Texans, to be denied access to our nation’s justice system due to an increase in population and a rise in federal case filings. This is unacceptable. As of March 2023, the Texas federal district court system has a backlog of 14,501 civil cases and 16,436 criminal cases. The bipartisan JUDGES Act would authorize additional federal courtroom locations and judgeships in several states across the country, including Texas, to address this inefficiency.” This legislation is co-led by Representatives Nehls, Nadler, and Johnson. Additional original cosponsors include Representatives Lee, Bacon, Van Drew, Valadao, Maloy, Hinson, Kim, LaLota, Owens, and Weber. The JUDGES Act will: Authorize additional federal case locations in Utah, Texas, and California. Create 63 permanent judgeships in six phases from 2025-2035 Add three temporary district court judgeships in Oklahoma Task GAO with evaluating the efficiency of federal courts and assessing detention space needs Require the Judicial Conference to publicly release its judicial seat recommendations and methodology",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moore-speaks-in-house-natural-resources-committee-in-support-of-the-tax-stamp-revenue-transfer-for-wildlife-and-recreation-act,Congressman Blake Moore Speaks in House Natural Resources Committee in Support of the Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer For Wildlife and Recreation Act,2024-09-11,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Blake Moore spoke before the House Natural Resources Committee in support of his bipartisan bill, the Tax Stamp Revenue Transfer for Wildlife and Recreation Act, which will reallocate funds generated by the existing tax stamp sportsmen pay when purchasing suppressors into the Pittman Robertson Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund to bolster wildlife conservation and recreational activities. This bill now awaits a markup and vote in the Natural Resources Committee. Read more about the bill here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/moore-wenstrup-pfluger-and-green-release-request-for-information-on-policy-solutions-to-secure-and-enhance-domestic-medical-supply-chains,"Moore, Wenstrup, Pfluger, and Green Release Request for Information on Policy Solutions to Secure and Enhance Domestic Medical Supply Chains",2024-09-11,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– Yesterday, Representatives Blake Moore (UT-01), Brad R. Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02), August Pfluger (TX-11), and Mark Green, M.D. (TN-07) released a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit feedback on strengthening and enhancing domestic medical supply chains. As Congress continues its important duty to ensure the safety and security of our nation through strengthening our medical supply chains, this RFI seeks feedback from independent experts, stakeholders, industry leaders, and coalition groups to inform how Congress may best achieve this goal. Building off earlier efforts from the 118th Congress, the House voted this week on the BIOSECURE Act, a bill to ensure American patient data and taxpayer dollars do not fall into the hands of foreign adversaries' biotechnology companies of concern by prohibiting federal contracting with these companies. U.S. supply chains must be free from dependency on foreign adversaries – we cannot rely on the Chinese Communist Party for genomic testing or basic pharmaceutical ingredients nor depend on Russia for fine chemical production. The BIOSECURE Act is an important first step, but Congress must take a multi-faceted approach to fortify national health security by working to bolster domestic medical manufacturing and ensuring our supply chains are free of interference and manipulation by foreign adversaries. To that end, this RFI will allow Congress to hear from individuals and organizations who can provide feedback and ideas to incentivize, support, and strengthen domestic medical manufacturing and supply chains with trusted allies and partners. Responses may address, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Economic obstacles you currently face in bringing medical supply chains onshore? a. Where would your costs increase by bringing operations onshore? b. What other factors/barriers are preventing you from onshoring? c. What incentives could facilitate the transition? d. What kinds of ongoing support could help offset these costs? 2. Lessons learned, challenges, and opportunities with respect to efforts to diversify supply chains, address for potential global vulnerabilities, and onshore key operations. 3. Feedback on the scope and priority level of medical products and services in need of onshoring, friendshoring, or increased diversification (ex. PPE, generics, devices, ingredients, pre-clinical or clinical services, etc.) 4. Insight into any elements of the global supply chain on which your company is dependent on suppliers in foreign adversary countries. 5. Perspectives on how much time would it take to onshore, friendshore, or diversify such supply chains. 6. Insight into the main barriers to domestic production (ex. environmental or FDA regulations, permitting barriers, workforce challenges, etc.) and what policy options Congress has to alleviate them. a. How do current U.S. regulations impact your ability to onshore or diversify your supply chain? Are there specific regulatory changes or flexibilities that could facilitate these efforts? b. What are the primary workforce challenges your company or industry faces in expanding domestic production? 7. To what extent are upstream inputs into natural and synthetic API production, including fine chemicals, sourced from adversarial countries? If API production were onshored to the US or friend-shored, what legislation would be needed to ensure there will be sufficient diversity of inputs to offset a sustained supply disruption from China? 8. Current programs that can be utilized to assist in catalyzing new innovative technologies for advanced manufacturing. 9. What types of public-private partnerships could be most effective in accelerating the onshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing? 10. Policies that promote alternative approaches to securing medical supply chains such as near-shoring and friend-shoring (ex. comprehensive trade agreements or plurilateral agreements with foreign partners). 11. What long-term strategies should Congress consider to ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing over the next 10-20 years? All responses should be submitted to Wenstrup.RFI@mail.house.gov no later than October 4, 2024. To download the RFI, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/9/lee-and-senate-republicans-hold-press-conference-demanding-passage-of-save-act,Lee and Senate Republicans Hold Press Conference Demanding Passage of SAVE Act,2024-09-11,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) will host a press conference with fellow Republican senators demanding the immediate passage of his SAVE Act to protect the integrity of U.S. elections and ensure only U.S. citizens can vote. WHO: Senator Mike Lee Senator Rick Scott Senator Ron Johnson Senator Roger Marshall Senator Tommy Tuberville WHAT: Senate Republican press conference regarding the importance of the SAVE Act passage WHEN: Wednesday, August 11 - 2:15 PM",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-moore-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-boost-savings-and-health-care-affordability-for-american-families,Congressman Blake Moore Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Boost Savings and Health Care Affordability for American Families,2024-08-27,2024,2024-08,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– Last week, Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) introduced the Health Out-of-Pocket Expense (HOPE) Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that will create a tax-advantaged account that enables millions of Americans with most types of insurance coverage to save for health care costs through both individual and employer contributions. Congressman Moore was joined by Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL), Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-CA) in introducing this bill. “One of the biggest issues I hear about from Utah patients, providers, and employers alike is the cost of health care, and addressing this pressing challenge remains a top priority for me in Washington,” said Congressman Moore. “I am grateful to introduce the bipartisan HOPE Act to create a new tax-advantaged savings account that will help families plan and save for medical expenses. The HOPE Act is a step in the right direction in making health care more affordable for Utahns and Americans across the country.” “Working families need additional ways to plan and save for unexpected out-of-pocket health expenses,” said Congressman Panetta. “This bipartisan legislation would create tax-preferred Health Out-of-Pocket Expense Accounts that incentivize Americans to save for future medical expenses not covered by their insurance. Through commonsense, straightforward action we can ensure that individuals and working families around our country are planning for their financial well-being and future health needs.” “The HOPE Act will directly help individuals in my community and nationwide battling soaring medical costs,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Through this bipartisan legislation, HOPE Accounts will deliver an alternative option that lets our hardworking families take control of their health expenses—free from the crushing weight of the high cost of healthcare in our country.” “I am proud to introduce the HOPE Act, which will create a new tax-advantaged savings account for healthcare expenses geared specifically towards working class individuals and families,” said Congressman Schneider. “Importantly, HOPE Accounts are compatible with any type of comprehensive health insurance plan, allowing account holders to maintain robust coverage while they save. As healthcare costs continue to rise, enabling families to efficiently save for future expenses via HOPE Accounts will promote both financial and physical well-being.” “Unexpected health care bills can be devastating for hard-working families, but most health coverage options don’t come with built-in ways to help families prepare for an emergency,” said Congressman Smith. ""HOPE Accounts would give American families a new tool to protect themselves and their household finances from a surprise illness or injury. I thank Rep. Moore for leading the effort to introduce this bipartisan legislation.” ""The HOPE Act is a crucial advancement in assisting families with the increasing costs of medical care,” said Congressman Ruiz MD. “HOPE Accounts provide hardworking families with a new way to save for health expenses, independent of costly high-deductible plans."" Background: Health care costs continue to climb, often outpacing the national rate of inflation and the average annual growth in GDP. The HOPE Act will help families in Utah and across the country manage their out-of-pocket costs and save for future medical care. A HOPE Account would be similar to a Roth savings account and provide certain tax advantages and investment options for individuals and families to save for future health care expenses: Anyone with qualifying coverage, including in the commercial market, Medicare, Medicaid, the Indian Health Service, and other sources of health care coverage are eligible to contribute to a HOPE Account. An individual’s contributions would not be tax deductible, though employer contributions are deductible to the employer, as well as excludible from income and employment tax for individuals with an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less or $200,000 or less for a family. Employers and state programs may annually make contributions to a HOPE Account of up to 50% of the annual limit. The maximum annual contribution from all sources to a HOPE Account is $4,000 for those with self-only coverage, or for married individuals with separate HOPE Accounts. For those with family coverage, that amount is $8,000 for a head of household or married individuals filing jointly who elect to set up a family account. Any contributions to an HSA, FSA, or HRA reduce the maximum contribution to a HOPE Account that year. As the account grows, the earnings remain tax-free if the funds are used for qualified medical expenses.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-how-congressman-blake-moores-star-act-will-bolster-the-united-states-leadership-in-semiconductor-technology-and-promote-randd,What They Are Saying: How Congressman Blake Moore's STAR Act Will Bolster the United States’ Leadership in Semiconductor Technology and Promote R&D,2024-08-06,2024,2024-08,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON­– Colleagues and businesses from across the U.S. technology community have shown their support for Congressman Blake Moore's bipartisan Semiconductor Technology Advancement and Research (STAR) Act. This bill will advance U.S. semiconductor research and development initiatives by creating an investment tax credit for semiconductor design expenditures. The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) SiFive MediaTek Amphere The text of this legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/7/lee-introduces-two-bills-to-roll-back-burdensome-regulations-and-foster-innovation,Lee Introduces Two Bills to Roll Back Burdensome Regulations and Foster Innovation,2024-07-31,2024,2024-07,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced two pieces of legislation—the Locating the Inefficiencies of Bureaucratic Edicts to Reform and Transform the Economy (LIBERATE) Act and the Promoting Innovation and Offering the Needed Escape from Exhaustive Regulations (PIONEER) Act—to reduce excessive federal regulations and encourage innovation across the economy. Together, these bills aim to streamline federal regulations, remove barriers to innovation, and restore the proper balance of power between the federal government and the American people. ""Federal regulations have become an invisible tax on every American business and consumer,"" said Senator Lee. ""The LIBERATE and PIONEER Acts will work in tandem to roll back excessive and outdated regulations, providing immediate relief and long-term reform. By creating a framework that encourages innovation and reduces unnecessary red tape, we can ensure that the American economy remains the most dynamic and competitive in the world."" The LIBERATE Act establishes a Regulatory Oversight and Review Task Force designed to identify and expedite the repeal of burdensome regulations that inhibit global competition, create barriers to entry for startups, increase operational costs, impact energy production, and create unnecessarily lengthy permitting processes. The PIONEER Act builds on this by creating a federal regulatory sandbox modeled after Utah's successful program. This program allows businesses to innovate freely by temporarily waiving certain regulations. This approach not only encourages business success but also provides lawmakers with the data needed to craft better, more effective regulations in the future. LIBERATE Act: Establishes the Regulatory Oversight and Review Task Force, composed of key government and private sector experts. Focuses on repealing regulations that stifle competition, increase costs, and slow economic growth. Requires the task force to submit quarterly and annual reports to Congress, including a ""Special Message"" with recommendations for repeal. The Liberate Act is cosponsored by Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Mike Crapo (R-ID). Bill Text | One-Pager ""At the Salt Lake Chamber, we support Senator Lee's initiatives to drive economic growth and foster innovation through the LIBERATE Act and the PIONEER Act. The LIBERATE Act's establishment of the Regulatory Oversight and Review Task Force promises to streamline federal regulations, reducing inefficiencies and eliminating barriers to competition that inhibit our businesses. Meanwhile, the PIONEER Act's regulatory sandbox program provides a vital opportunity for businesses to innovate and grow in a controlled environment, balancing regulatory relief with necessary consumer protections. Both pieces of legislation embody a forward-thinking approach that aligns with our commitment to a thriving, dynamic economy. We encourage our federal government to follow Utah's example of regulatory reform and support these bills, creating a modern and dynamic framework that will unleash the power of the private sector."" – Derek Miller, President and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber “National Taxpayers Union is pleased to support Senator Lee's LIBERATE Act. This legislation would help reduce the burden imposed by excessive regulations that impede entrepreneurship and make it harder for U.S. companies to compete. American businesses should not be burdened by outdated, unnecessary regulations as they strive to create good new jobs. NTU endorses Senator Lee's effort to remove federal barriers to economic growth and opportunity.” – Brandon Arnold, Executive Vice President, National Taxpayers Union Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Senior Economist, Ryan Young said, “Regulations make it difficult to start new businesses and invent new products. They make energy and housing more expensive. And there are more than a million regulations already on the books. Agencies aren't doing about it, and neither is Congress. Sen. Lee's LIBERATE Act would instead create a commission to identify harmful rules and give Congress a package to repeal. This regulatory housekeeping can open opportunities for ordinary Americans and stimulate the economy without new deficit spending.” Competitive Enterprise Institute’s Fred L. Smith Fellow in Regulatory Studies, Wayne Crews said, “In Washington, D.C., regulatory measures are even less restrained than federal spending, which has already driven the nation into a $35 trillion debt. The overlooked 'hidden tax' of regulatory intervention needs to be addressed with the same urgency as federal spending, particularly with President Biden's broad 'Whole-of-Government' regulatory initiatives. We must urgently restore balance through increased transparency and a robust reaffirmation of Article I Congressional accountability. This means putting an end to regulation without representation. Essential steps include the establishment of a regulatory reduction commission, as outlined in Senator Mike Lee's LIBERATE Act, and requiring Congress to reclaim its legislative authority by approving significant new agency rules and guidance documents before they take effect.” ""Americans know that it's too difficult to buy home, open a business, or even just make a living. With Senator Lee's LIBERATE Act, Congress will have an opportunity to begin peeling back the regulations and restrictions that are standing in the way of so many Americans' dreams. The bipartisan task force that this legislation envisions would bring together experts and entrepreneurs from across the economy to analyze whether many of the regulations currently on the books are worthwhile. Once the task force has decided, Congress would have the opportunity to quickly remove those regulations that don't measure up."" - Brent Gardner, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Americans for Prosperity. PIONEER Act: Defines a federal regulatory sandbox allowing businesses to innovate without the constraints of certain regulations for up to two years. Establishes the Office of Regulatory Relief to oversee the sandbox and ensure public health and safety. Provides a path for businesses to renew their regulatory waivers for up to ten years. Bill Text | One-Pager ""The economy and innovation overall are hindered by outdated regulations that limit or prohibit new approaches to solving our problems and addressing our needs. Following the lead of Utah and fifteen other states, Senator Lee's PIONEER Act provides a needed and hopeful bipartisan solution: a flexible approach to regulations that welcomes new ideas to better our world."" – Libertas ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/7/senator-lee-introduces-the-no-union-time-on-the-taxpayer-s-dime-act,Senator Lee Introduces the No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act,2024-07-31,2024,2024-07,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act, legislation that would prohibit the misuse of taxpayer dollars for union-related activities by federal employees during work hours. “Taxpayers should not be burdened with the cost of federal employees engaging in union activities,” said Senator Lee. “Federal salaries are funded by the taxpayers, who rightfully expect federal employees to work on their assigned duties while on the clock. The No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act ensures that union-related activities are conducted on personal time and at personal expense.” Since the passage of the Civil Service Reform Act in 1978, the practice known as “official time” has allowed federal employees to use work hours for union-related activities and to handle cases before the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). This means federal employees can engage in union work, represent bargaining unit employees and advance union causes while being paid by the taxpayer. The cost of this practice to the American taxpayer is significant. According to a 2016 report by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), federal employees spent 3.6 million hours on union-related business at a cost of $177.2 million. Under the Trump Administration, this number dropped to 2.6 million hours, costing $134.9 million. However, due to the lack of unified reporting requirements, the last available data is from 2019, creating a transparency gap in the current use of official time. The No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act will amend Section 7131 of Title 5 of the U.S. Code to explicitly prohibit the use of official time for federal employees. The updated law will state: Any activities performed by an employee relating to the business of a labor organization shall be performed during the time the employee is in a non-duty status. The legislation is endorsed by Heritage Action, Americans for Prosperity, and the National Right to Work Committee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moore-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-drive-american-leadership-in-semiconductor-randd,Congressman Blake Moore Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Drive American Leadership in Semiconductor R&D,2024-07-30,2024,2024-07,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON­– Today, Congressman Blake Moore introduced the Semiconductor Technology Advancement and Research (STAR) Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that will advance U.S. semiconductor research and development initiatives by creating an investment tax credit for semiconductor design expenditures. Congressman Moore was joined in introducing this legislation by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA). Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party are original cosponsors, along with Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Congressman Rho Khanna (D-CA), and Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY). “Semiconductors are the linchpin to the technologies of the future in countless sectors, from health care to defense to energy, and they are critical to U.S. national security and global competitiveness,” said Congressman Moore. “I am proud to introduce the STAR Act with a bipartisan group of colleagues to create an investment incentive to enhance U.S. leadership in chip design and maintain a secure value chain for these innovations.” “U.S. production of semiconductor chips is an economic and national security imperative, which is why I authored the CHIPS for America Act — to decrease our reliance on other countries for these critical assets,” said Chairman McCaul. “I am proud to co-sponsor the bipartisan STAR Act to build on that success, further bolstering our national security and bringing high-paying jobs to our communities. The chip revolution is the greatest technological advancement since the Manhattan Project, and I look forward to cementing the United States as the global leader in semiconductor research and design.” “Semiconductors are critical to our economy, powering everything from cars to cellphones. Congress made great strides forward with the passage of the Chips & Science Act, but we need to continue investing in domestic chip production to ensure that America remains a global leader in this critical economic and national security technology,” said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene. “The bipartisan legislation we’re introducing today will support further semiconductor research and workforce development, strengthen our economic security, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, all while creating good-paying jobs in our communities.” “As we roll out the transformative investments of the CHIPS Act, we have a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for generational leadership in semiconductor innovation and job creation,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “But for lasting American progress, we need to revitalize the entire supply chain: from semiconductor design through manufacturing. This legislation will supercharge high-wage jobs in semiconductor design which are vital for the California economy. In tandem with CHIPS Act investments, these tools will continue to secure American’s position as the global pacesetter for innovation.” “This legislation will help America’s tech sector maintain its leading role and ensure our national security is protected. Our country is the best in the world in semiconductor innovation, and today’s bill will help level the playing field for American companies competing against the Chinese Communist Party’s state subsidies and theft of American intellectual property,” said Chairman Moolenaar. “As semiconductors increasingly drive the future of the global economy, it is essential that the United States strengthens our domestic semiconductor industry, including our research and development capacity. Through providing incentives for investments in American semiconductor R&D, our bipartisan legislation will help ensure continued U.S. leadership in chip design, strengthening our national and economic security,” said Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi. Background: Semiconductor design is a research and development activity that works to improve how chips process information and enable increasingly complex modern technologies. The STAR Act would allow for a 25% tax credit for semiconductor design research and development expenditures. Semiconductors drive American technological leadership, which is critical to nearly every industry, including defense, health care, energy, agriculture, and transportation. As countries around the world continue to out-invest the United States in semiconductor research and development, the STAR Act will ensure semiconductor IP originates in the United States and is secure. The text of this legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/7/lee-introduces-the-shush-act-to-simplify-suppressor-rules,Lee Introduces the SHUSH Act to Simplify Suppressor Rules,2024-07-29,2024,2024-07,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing (SHUSH) Act, a bill to eliminate the excessive regulation of firearm suppressors. The bill seeks to simplify the purchase process for law-abiding citizens and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. Senate cosponsors of the SHUSH Act include Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and John Cornyn (R-TX). The SHUSH Act has garnered the support of the National Association for Gun Rights, Gun Owners of America, the National Rifle Association and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. ""Suppressors are safety accessories, and their purchase should not be subject to antiquated federal controls,” said Senator Lee. “This bill is about making it easier for responsible gun owners to protect their hearing and safety while enjoying their Second Amendment right.” “Suppressors are accessories and should be treated just like magazines, scopes, or gun stocks. Treating an accessory the same as a gun sets a bad precedence for anti-gun legislators to further regulate other accessories in the future. There’s no reason they should be subjected to the Brady registration scheme. We’re happy and privileged to be able to work with Sen. Lee on this legislation,” said Hunter King, Director of Political Affairs at National Association for Gun Rights. “Gun Owners of America applauds the introduction of the 'Silencers Helping Us Save Hearing Act' (SHUSH) Act. The SHUSH Act would not only remove suppressors from the federal regulations of the National Firearms Act, but also treat suppressors as any other firearm accessory – free from the infringing background check process. Senator Lee’s bill will not only benefit hunters and sport shooters, but also take much needed steps for gun owners to restore the rights protected by the Second Amendment,”said Aidan Johnston, Director of Government Affairs, Gun Owners of America. “Suppressors are nothing more than a muffler for a firearm. They reduce the noise level from that which can cause instant and permanent hearing loss to a safe level,” said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association. “That’s the equivalent of reducing the noise from that similar to a jet taking off to that of a motorcycle. These devices are increasingly popular and legal to possess in 42 states and legal for hunting in 41 states. Senator Mike Lee, with the SHUSH Act, demonstrates a strong commitment to Second Amendment rights and leadership in cutting unnecessary government regulations for a firearm safety device.” Background Suppressors, commonly known as silencers, are non-lethal firearm accessories widely used by hunters, sportsmen, and marksmen. These devices enhance safety by reducing noise, recoil, and muzzle blast. Contrary to popular belief, they do not completely silence firearms. Currently, the process to legally acquire a suppressor involves an extensive and burdensome procedure through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), including: Completing two copies of ATF Form 4 Filling out ATF Form 5330.20 Certification of Compliance Obtaining certification from a local chief law enforcement officer and two copies of fingerprints Submitting two passport photos and a $200 check to the ATF This approval process can take 9-12 months, making the purchase of a suppressor prohibitively complex and costly for many consumers. The SHUSH Act aims to: Eliminate federal regulation of suppressors as firearms under the National Firearms Act (NFA) and the Gun Control Act (GCA). Remove existing taxes, fees, and registration requirements associated with suppressors. Allow current or retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms with suppressors. Preempt state regulations on the manufacture, transfer, transport, or possession of suppressors. Strike provisions requiring mandatory minimum sentences for suppressor possession in certain cases. Exempt suppressors from regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Provide a provision for a refund of the $200 transfer tax for anyone who purchased a suppressor within two years prior to the enactment of the bill. If passed, the SHUSH Act will work alongside the Hearing Protection Act to further deregulate suppressors and remove them from the Gun Control Act of 1968. SHUSH Act: Bill Text | One-Pager ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1243,Rep. Maloy Introduces Bipartisan Search and Rescue Bill,2024-07-26,2024,2024-07,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"This week, Reps. Celeste Maloy (R-UT), Ed Case (D-HI), and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Public Land Search and Rescue Act, legislation that would establish a grant program to assist states with the costs of search and rescue activities on federal land under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program is intended to help with “remote search and rescue.” This includes any activity that utilizes, trains, or supports responders with specialized equipment to locate, assist, and remove to safety individuals who are lost, injured, stranded, or entrapped in remote areas as well as recover deceased individuals. Rural counties with low populations and high visitation numbers are burdened with frequent remote search-and-rescue operations despite low tax bases to cover the costs. “Utah is renowned for its recreation and exploration opportunities across its millions of acres of wilderness. But sometimes people get injured, lost, or stranded in these remote, federal lands, and it’s our local communities who are footing the bill and putting their lives on the line to conduct search and rescue operations. This legislation will help law enforcement bear the costs of critical equipment and resources needed to save lives,” said Rep. Maloy. “Even seasoned hikers can lose their way and end up lost or hurt in our national parks and other public lands,” said Rep. Case. “In my state of Hawai‘i, there has been a critical need for resources to conduct search and rescue operations at Hawai‘i Volcanoes and Haleakalā National Parks, which draw millions of visitors each year. Since 2011, our mostly county emergency personnel have responded to close to 200 emergencies at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the Island of Hawai‘i, and at Haleakalā National Park on the island of Maui, they have had to handle 205 search and rescue cases. These are national parks, and this responsibility should not be shouldered and paid for exclusively by state and local governments. Our legislation will fairly help reimburse agencies in Hawai‘i and across the nation for the costs they bear to prepare for and to conduct search and rescue on our federal lands.” “Utah is a great place for recreation and exploration in our vast wilderness areas,” said Rep. Curtis. “With so much of the state federally managed, the onus falls onto our local towns and sheriffs when it comes to search and rescue. This bill represents a critical step forward in ensuring that our first responders have the necessary resources to keep up with the growing demand for rescue operations on federal lands,” said Rep. Curtis. “One of the most positive trends in our great nation is that we are seeing an increased public desire to travel and explore some of the spectacular natural wonders. Changes in the way we consume media has caused visitation on public lands to increase significantly, placing a strain on local resources,” said Kane County Sheriff Tracy Glover. “Western sheriffs are being tasked with higher call volumes for lost or injured visitors. Many of these frantic calls come from some of the most remote areas of federally managed lands including those administered by the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and BLM. All too often, the most desirable areas of visitation are located in the most remote and sparsely populated areas leaving underfunded rural county sheriffs with the financial burden. In many cases, counties with only a few thousand residents are hosting millions of annual visitors. The rescues are often technical in nature and require unique and expensive resources, training, and equipment such as off-highway vehicles, boats and helicopters. I know I can speak for sheriffs across the west who are grateful that Congresswoman Maloy has studied this issue and identified the pressing need for a cooperative local/federal partnership related to Search and Rescue. This bill will undoubtedly help to save lives."" “The twenty-nine sheriffs in the State of Utah are solely responsible for all search and rescue operations in their county, per Utah law,” said Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby. “Washington County has some of the most rugged terrain in the state, including Zion National Park. Zion National Park visitors have increased rapidly over the last several years and they reported just over three million visitors in 2023. In the last several years, our search and rescue calls have increased by up to 30%. Washington County and the State of Utah cover all costs associated with search and rescue operations. Even though, over 90% of our calls are on BLM or Forest Service land. Purchasing technical rescue equipment such as ATVs, boats, dive gear, radios, and medical supplies places a large financial burden on our local governments. Grants from the federal government would help offset some of those costs.” “When the world wants to get outdoors and recreate, they come to amazing rural Utah. There are times when accidents happen, or recreators are not prepared for the extreme conditions in the backcountry, and Search and Rescue is needed. In the rural backcountry it doesn't take long to deplete the few resources we do have. Rural counties do not have large budgets nor ways to recoup many of the costs incurred for rescues, especially extended searches and highly technical rescues. Through fundraising, donations, and the backs of the great volunteers we do the best we can. With the passage of this bill we can help make those few dollars go further and increase the chances of better outcomes for those who need rescue in the back country, and give the tools needed to better effect those rescues,"" said Sevier County Sheriff Nathan Curtis.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1237,Rep. Maloy Introduces Bill Directing Agencies to Consider Small Businesses in Rule Making,2024-07-18,2024,2024-07,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02) introduced the Enhancing Regulatory Flexibility Act to strengthen the language in federal statutes protecting small businesses. The bill amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), legislation that directed agencies to study and report the effects of new rules on small businesses. “One of the most important ways Congress can step up now that the Supreme Court has overturned Chevron Deference is to write bills with clear language. That’s what my bill to amend the RFA does. The original bill meant to protect small businesses and require agencies to think of them when creating new rules, but flexible language has allowed agencies to ignore those requirements. My amendment will clarify the law and ensure agencies follow the RFA,” said Rep. Maloy. “Our Committee has been laser-focused on reducing burdensome regulations and working to ensure federal agencies are complying with the RFA,” said Chairman Williams. “To that end, we’ve passed through some great, common-sense pieces of legislation. Representative Maloy’s bill adds to that work. I’m extremely grateful to her for introducing this bill to ensure federal agencies understand the cumulative impacts of their regulatory actions before forcing Main Street America to pay for additional expensive new mandates.” The intent of the RFA was for agencies to study and report the effects of new rules on small businesses, but flexible language in the original bill has allowed agencies to ignore that direction. Rep. Maloy’s bill will make those reports mandatory, protecting small businesses and ensuring the intent of the RFA is followed. Background The Regulatory Flexibility Act has been the focus of a Congressional Oversight Hearing this term. The House Committee on Small Business recently released the results of a three-year investigation detailing agency noncompliance. The investigation found that agencies improperly certify rules to avoid RFA requirements, underestimate regulatory costs to small businesses, fail to assess whether rules are duplicative, and refuse to comply with Congressional oversight requests. To read the full report click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-congressman-blake-moore-welcomed-the-house-ways-and-means-committee-to-utahs-first-district-for-a-field-hearing-on-medical-innovation-and-tour-of-welfare-square,ICYMI: Congressman Blake Moore Welcomed the House Ways and Means Committee to Utah’s First District for a Field Hearing on Medical Innovation and Tour of Welfare Square,2024-07-16,2024,2024-07,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"On Friday, July 12th, Congressman Blake Moore welcomed the House Ways and Means Committee to Utah’s First District for a field hearing on medical innovation and health care access as well as a tour of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Welfare Square. Titled “Access to Health Care in America: Unleashing Medical Innovation and Economic Prosperity,” the field hearing took place at ARUP Laboratory in Salt Lake City and brought together members of the Ways and Means Committee, Utah lawmakers Rep. Burgess Owens and Rep. Celeste Maloy, innovators in the medical industry, local media, and the public. This field hearing was an exciting opportunity for members to learn about Utah’s medical innovation industry and the ways it positively impacts local economies. Members questioned witnesses on a range of topics including the impact of tax incentives on directing investments toward medical innovation, how state and federal policymakers can work together to promote access to more cutting-edge treatments, and the need for continued support for R&D projects so the United States can remain the world’s leader in medical innovation. The witnesses provided valuable insights to the Ways and Means Committee members as they craft policy proposals that seek to make America the healthiest country in the world. “It was an honor to have my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee join me in Utah’s First District for a field hearing on the importance of medical innovation and its impact on economic prosperity,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “Utah has long led the way in medical innovation and breakthroughs, and I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase Utah’s achievements in this field. Thank you to all the innovators, practitioners, and policymakers who helped make this field hearing happen. I look forward to continuing my work on the Ways and Means Committee to better promote medical innovation on the federal level.” Prior to the hearing, committee members toured Welfare Square to learn about ways the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides resources and job training for individuals and promotes self-reliance. The Ways and Means Committee has jurisdiction over federal welfare programs, and members visited the Bishops’ Storehouse, Deseret Industries, and Deseret Dairy Products. Congressman Moore is the first Republican from Utah to ever serve on the prestigious Ways and Means Committee where he advocates for solutions on health care, taxes, welfare, trade, Social Security, Medicare, and more that mirror Utah’s effective policy frameworks. Press Coverage: Deseret News: Rep. Blake Moore touts Utah’s innovation in health care at congressional hearing in Salt Lake City KSL: Congressional committee tours Welfare Square Church News: ‘An innate desire to help others’: 8 members of U.S. Congress tour Welfare Square ARUP Laboratories: ARUP Welcomes Members of the U.S. House for a Healthcare Innovation Field Hearing",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/7/lee-introduces-legislation-to-cut-regulations-and-accelerate-baltimore-s-recovery-amid-bridge-collapse,Lee Introduces Legislation to Cut Regulations and Accelerate Baltimore's Recovery Amid Bridge Collapse,2024-07-11,2024,2024-07,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – In response to the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced two pieces of legislation to cut burdensome regulations and expedite recovery efforts for Baltimore and its vital port. The collapse has significantly impacted thousands of residents and businesses dependent on the port for their livelihoods and impacted the supply chain nationwide. “By temporarily suspending these outdated regulations, we can get the government out of the way and allow Baltimore to recover more quickly and efficiently,” said Senator Lee. “It’s time for the federal government to step back and remove the obstacles standing in the way of Baltimore’s recovery, and recognize that these regulations are slowing down growth across the country.” Senator Lee’s legislative efforts, the Baltimore Recovery Act and the Restore the Port of Baltimore Act aredesigned to provide relief by temporarily exempting the port from federal regulations that are currently slowing recovery and reconstruction. In doing so, Senator Lee aims to reduce the overall cost of the recovery effort by eliminating outmoded regulations that will drive up the total cost American taxpayers will pay in order to rebuild the city’s infrastructure. The Baltimore Recovery Act would: Exempt any vessel arriving or departing from the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore from Jones Act requirements for five years. The Jones Act prohibits non-U.S.-flagged ships from traveling between U.S. ports. By allowing foreign vessels to participate in shipping and reconstruction efforts, aid can be delivered more cost-effectively and promptly. For bill text, click HERE The Restore the Port of Baltimore Act would: Exempt any vessel arriving or departing from the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore from the Foreign Dredge Act of 1906 requirements for five years. The Foreign Dredge Act of 1906 restricts dredging operations to U.S.-flagged vessels, which has led to outdated equipment and inflated costs due to lack of competition. Permitting foreign dredge vessels to operate in the port will accelerate and reduce the cost of reconstruction and cleanup efforts.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/7/lee-mace-target-d-c-s-absurd-cost-inflating-childcare-regulations,"Lee, Mace Target D.C.’s Absurd, Cost-Inflating Childcare Regulations",2024-07-10,2024,2024-07,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Childcare Worker Opportunity Act, a bill to alleviate the escalating childcare crisis in the District of Columbia. The proposed legislation seeks to repeal the stringent 2016 regulation that mandates childcare workers to hold a college degree, a rule that has significantly contributed to the shortage of childcare providers and the skyrocketing costs families face. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “Parents in D.C. are facing an uphill battle with childcare costs spiraling out of control, making it a privilege only the wealthy can afford,""said Sen. Mike Lee. ""The current regulations are not only impractical but also harmful, pushing skilled childcare workers out of their jobs. The Childcare Worker Opportunity Act aims to remove these barriers, offering immediate relief to families and ensuring children receive the care they need. This bill will bring much-needed flexibility and affordability to the District's childcare system at a time when families need it most.” “D.C. has overregulated the child care industry, much like everything else in this city,""said Rep. Nancy Mace.""Subsequently, they’ve left families with no options. Our bill with Senator Lee repeals this burdensome regulation, giving parents affordable childcare options and providing greater work opportunities for those who wish to care for children."" “The shortage of common sense in Washington continues to make it harder and harder on American families. For example, a completely unnecessary D.C. requirement for childcare workers to hold a college degree contributed to depleting the local childcare workforce. The result: less and less childcare options for parents at increasingly higher costs. Reversing this rule would not only be a positive change for hardworking families in our nation’s capital, but it would send a strong signal reaffirming bipartisan support for making childcare more accessible and more affordable nationwide,""said Sen. Katie Britt. More than half of parents in D.C. report being unable to find childcare for their preschool-aged children, and if they do, they face the highest childcare costs in the nation. Rather than addressing these issues, the D.C. City Council enacted a 2016 law that exacerbates the shortage of childcare providers by requiring them to hold either an associate or bachelor’s degree. This regulation officially took effect in 2023 and is unique to D.C., with no substantial evidence suggesting that degree-holding childcare providers are more effective than those without a formal university education. The Childcare Worker Opportunity Act will address these issues by repealing portions of the final rulemaking issued by the State Superintendent of Education of the District of Columbia on December 7, 2016. This action will eliminate the requirement for childcare workers to have a degree, certificate, or a minimum number of credit hours from an institution of higher education to receive their official childcare license. For one pager, clickHERE. For bill text, click HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/7/lee-introduces-bills-to-demand-burden-sharing-and-oppose-ukraine-membership-ahead-of-nato-summit,Lee Introduces Bills to Demand Burden Sharing and Oppose Ukraine Membership Ahead of NATO Summit,2024-07-09,2024,2024-07,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – As Washington plays host to this year's NATO Summit, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is set to introduce a series of bills to address the strategic misdirection of NATO and the decades-long imbalance in defense spending. The summit marks NATO's 75th anniversary, a milestone that calls for reflection and a reassessment of the alliance's operational readiness and financial posture. ""European capitals have grown accustomed to U.S.-subsidized security, allowing them to dictate policy without bearing the risks or costs,"" said Senator Lee. ""This arrangement has been perpetuated out of deference to the so-called 'rules-based international order.' It's time for Congress to remind the alliance—and the Biden administration—that it holds the power to make treaties, extend NATO membership, and conduct oversight of our commitments abroad."" Senator Lee's legislative agenda during the summit includes the following: Resolution Opposing Security Guarantees for Ukraine This resolution condemns the Biden administration's recent 10-year bilateral security agreement with Ukraine. It asserts that the agreement has no legal force without Senate ratification and rejects it as a ""bridge"" to Ukraine's NATO membership. Introduced on June 20, Senator Lee will call for unanimous consent and invites additional cosponsors. For resolution text, click HERE Prohibition on Ukraine NATO Membership This bill amends the Mutual Security Act of 1954 to stipulate that initiating an accession process for Ukraine will be grounds for immediate U.S. withdrawal from NATO. Senator Lee emphasizes the necessity of this bill to prevent further escalation and undue U.S. commitments. For bill text, click HERE Allied Burden Sharing Report Act Despite being required by the 1985 NDAA, DOD has not consistently reported on allied defense contributions since the early 2000s. This is an unacceptable status quo. This act mandates the Department of Defense to prepare an annual report on the defense spending and contributions of all 59 U.S. allies. The report will include: Defense spending as a nominal figure and percentage of GDP Contributions to military operations in line with cooperative defense agreements Limitations placed on the use of such contributions For bill text, click HERE NATO Burden Sharing Report Act Focusing solely on current and prospective NATO member countries, this act requires DOD to annually report on: Defense spending as a nominal figure and percentage of GDP A description of each member's hard vs. soft power contributions for Ukraine Analysis of defense industrial base health and comparative advantages Size and structure of armed forces Areas of reliance on allied assets Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deliveries or contracts in the previous year Changes in defense spending over the previous year Anticipated future spending For bill text, click HERE ""As NATO gathers on our soil, we have the opportunity to demand equitable burden sharing and make it clear that Ukraine's membership cannot be on the table,"" added Senator Lee. ""These bills are essential to ensuring that the United States is not unduly burdened by an alliance that refuses to pull its weight or come to grips with strategic realities ."" For a one-pager, click HERE ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-paul-introduce-resolution-condemning-the-biden-administration-s-unconstitutional-security-guarantees-to-ukraine,"Lee, Paul Introduce Resolution Condemning the Biden Administration's Unconstitutional Security Guarantees to Ukraine",2024-06-20,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced a resolution emphasizing the need for Senate oversight and consideration of the Biden administration's bilateral agreement to provide long-term security guarantees to Ukraine. Senator Lee asserts that this agreement, which effectively serves as a backdoor into NATO membership for Ukraine, bypasses Congress and the Constitution by not following the treaty process and restricts future administrations from adjusting the United States' strategic posture toward Ukraine. ""The Biden administration's decision to sidestep the Constitution and the Senate's role in treaty ratification is unacceptable,"" said Senator Lee. ""This agreement not only circumvents the Constitution but also ties the hands of future administrations. Such significant commitments must be subject to thorough scrutiny by the Senate."" ""President Biden's bilateral security agreement with Ukraine commits America to yet another endless war. This deal risks entrapping future administrations to a prolonged military engagement without a clear exit strategy or sufficient burden-sharing from our European allies. We must prioritize American interests and avoid endless foreign entanglements,"" said Dr. Rand Paul.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1216,Rep. Celeste Maloy Introduces Bill to Streamline Federal Permitting Process,2024-06-18,2024,2024-06,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representative Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) introduced the Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement (FREE) Act to streamline the federal permitting process by instituting a ‘permit-by-rule’ (PBR) system. Joining Rep. Maloy and Rep. Chavez-DeRemer as original cosponsors are House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Rep. Pete Stauber (MN-08), Rep. Mary Peltola (AK-At-Large), Rep. Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11), Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20), Rep. John Curtis (UT-03), Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Rep. Blake Moore (UT-01), Rep. Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Rep. Ryan Zinke (MT-01). “A large portion of my career has been spent helping Utahns work through burdensome federal permitting processes,” said Rep. Maloy. “Permit applications are often inconsistent and lack clear timelines. The FREE Act offers some long overdue relief, streamlining permits to make them more manageable and predictable. Utah businesses and local governments will benefit from this improvement.” The FREE Act directs federal agencies to evaluate their permits and report to Congress within 240 days with an assessment of whether permit-by-rule can replace their current systems or make a thorough justification why not. Agencies must then adopt PBR within 12 months for the eligible permits. Under permit-by-rule, agencies must grant all permit applications that meet objective permit standards within 30 days. Agencies can still deny applicants that do not meet requirements and may verify compliance. “The permitting process is often burdensome and costly, resulting in project delays that hinder economic growth and development. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Maloy to introduce the FREE Act, which would cut through unnecessary red tape by implementing a streamlined permitting process. This is a commonsense proposal that would provide predictability to businesses and speed up domestic projects, helping reduce our reliance on adversarial countries like China,” Rep. Chavez-DeRemer said. “Reforms to modernize permitting are urgently needed if we’re to fully unlock America’s energy and resource potential,” said Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse. “By implementing ‘permit by rule,’ the cumbersome permitting process will become more efficient by reducing time spent on routine permits and freeing up agency staff to work on larger projects. I applaud Western Caucus Vice Chair Maloy on introducing this important legislation to modernize the permitting process to avoid unnecessary bureaucratic delays to important projects across rural America.” “Living in Alaska all my life, and meeting with Alaskans about stalled projects every week, it's clear that we need a change to our federal permitting process—one that will cut government red tape for good. Our FREE act’s permit-by-rule system will create jobs, boost Alaskan projects, and expedite disaster relief, said Rep. Peltola. “The laborious and time-consuming federal permitting process prohibits Utahns from quickly receiving approvals for their projects. It creates frustrating delays and uncertainty, often resulting in canceled projects. The FREE Act is a significant step toward reforming and streamlining our federal permitting system so businesses can receive efficient approvals for their critical projects. The simplified approach outlined in the FREE Act will foster economic growth, encourage innovation, and provide clarity for those seeking federal permits. I thank Congresswoman Maloy for her work to become a leader on reforming our broken permitting system, and I am glad to support this bill, said Rep. Moore.” “Our energy future will be affordable, reliable, and clean,” said Rep. Curtis. “To make that happen, we need to remove the red tape that holds back our energy projects. I am pleased to support this legislation and work to streamline the permitting process.” ""Over several decades, the federal government has exponentially grown, making the federal permitting process needlessly burdensome without providing optimal benefits to the American people,” said David Bernhardt, 53rd Secretary of the Interior. “Representatives Maloy and Chavez-DeRemer’s permit-by-rule proposal creates a process for federal agencies to start delivering better results and outcomes to the American people. I commend them and each of their co-sponsors for initiating this important effort that could benefit every citizen. Thank you.” “Federal permitting is often a roadblock to even the most basic work that livestock producers need to do their jobs, as even routine permits face costly delays and overcomplicated processes. Solving this issue takes creativity and a willingness to dig into comprehensive reforms, and the FREE Act will go a long way in reducing duplicative work. We thank Rep. Maloy for recognizing the need to address this problem and working to fix the roadblocks that prevent livestock producers and grazing permittees from doing even the most basic work as part of their daily operations,” said Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and Government Affairs for National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “Congresswoman Maloy’s permit-by-rule proposal would bring the government’s out-of-date permitting approval process into the 21st century. This efficient approach has already been adopted and practiced in nearly 40 states. Modernizing this critical practice across the federal government is a step in the right direction and would make it easier for small businesses to create more jobs,” said James Sherk, Ph.D., Director of the Center for American Freedom at America First Policy Institute. “The federal government’s byzantine and burdensome permitting processes are a major obstacle to responsibly developing Utah’s vast mineral wealth and reducing dependence on hostile foreign nations for minerals critical to our economic and national security. Congresswoman Maloy’s FREE Act would greatly reduce mine permitting timelines to bring the U.S. in line with other advanced mining jurisdictions like Canada and Australia. The FREE Act would also provide predictability to the mining industry so it can continue to attract investment and bring sorely needed mining projects online. We appreciate Congresswoman Maloy’s leadership in bringing this innovative and important legislation forward,” said Brian Somers, President of the Utah Mining Association. “Thank you to Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) for championing the introduction of the Full Responsibility and Expedited Enforcement (FREE) Act. This legislation provides substantive reforms to the federal permitting process. The requirement to obtain federal permits frequently extends to projects such as routine vegetation management, wildfire mitigation work, distribution and transmission line maintenance, and siting new electrical infrastructure projects. The current federal permitting process is full of uncertainty, inefficiencies, and arbitrariness. The FREE Act establishes a permit by rule application process which addresses each of the current deficiencies by delineating substantive application standards, simplifying the application process, and replacing arbitrary decision-making with predictable deadlines. The FREE Act will provide a process by which electric cooperatives may continue providing affordable and reliable electricity to their consumer-members while building the needed infrastructure for generations to come,” said Nathaniel Johnson, Executive Director of the Utah Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “The current federal permitting process is unfair, time-consuming, and expensive. As a result, businesses, individuals, and the economy suffer,"" said Tarren Bragdon, CEO of the Opportunity Solutions Project. ""We applaud Rep. Maloy for proposing a new permitting process that limits bureaucratic delays and fosters innovation and economic growth. The FREE Act is what a 21st-century permitting process looks like."" ""Permit by rule would limit the ability of administrative agencies to use their regulatory authorities inappropriately, which today are being wielded to stop economic growth and land-use activities for the purpose of accomplishing a political agenda. Government was not meant to be weaponized against the people, as is too often the case today. Permit by rule would help reign in the administrative state and importantly, protect American’s property rights,” said Margaret Byfield, Executive Director of American Stewards of Liberty.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-lummis-introduce-bill-to-counter-fcc-on-ai-ad-disclosures,"Lee, Lummis Introduce Bill to Counter FCC on AI Ad Disclosures",2024-06-18,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Ending FCC Meddling in Our Elections Act with Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Ted Budd (R-NC). The legislation comes as a direct response to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 's recent decision to begin rulemaking that would require on-air disclosures for campaign ads created using artificial intelligence. In May, the FCC, led by a Democrat-appointed majority, voted 3-2 to propose new regulations impacting the use of AI in campaign advertising. The proposed rules would mandate that television and radio providers issue an on-air disclosure every time an AI-created ad is aired. This decision was supported exclusively by Democrat-appointed Commissioners and has raised significant concerns about partisan overreach. ""The FCC's proposal to impose new regulations on political speech involving AI, just months before one of the most consequential elections in our history, represents a clear overstep of their regulatory authority,"" said Senator Lee. ""While I support transparency in the use of AI in campaign ads, I strongly oppose the idea of a Democrat-run federal agency single-handedly changing the rules of political engagement under the guise of regulation."" Senator Lummis said, ""It is imperative that we safeguard the integrity of our election processes from bureaucratic overreach. The Ending FCC Meddling in Our Elections Act ensures that the FCC does not distort the political landscape with unwarranted and unauthorized intrusions."" FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr added, “The FCC’s eleventh-hour plan to impose new regulations on political speech right before the election is as unlawful as it is misguided. Senator Lee’s bill would stop this DNC-backed initiative in its tracks. I applaud Senator Lee for his strong leadership and steps to ensure a level playing field as voters head to the ballot box.” Senator Lee’s legislation would prohibit the use of federal funds to enforce any order issued as a result of the FCC’s notice of proposed rulemaking, effectively stopping the Commission's overreach.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-introduces-trio-of-bills-defending-access-to-public-lands,Lee Introduces Trio of Bills Defending Access to Public Lands,2024-06-17,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a trio of bills today to ensure access to federal lands and reaffirm the authority of state and local jurisdictions. “In each of these bills, we aim to return control to those who are closest to our public lands — the states and local communities,"" said Sen. Lee. ""By doing so, we can ensure that our conservation efforts are practical, effective, and tailored to the unique characteristics of each area, while expanding access for all Americans to enjoy our nation's natural beauty.” The legislative package includes three key proposals: Human-Powered Travel in Wilderness Areas Act Since Congress passed The Wilderness Act of 1964 prohibiting motorized vehicles in certain wilderness areas, the bill has been incorrectly interpreted to inhibit human-powered travel. Senator Lee’s bill reaffirms that human travel was never meant to be restricted by the Wilderness Act of 1964. “As it stands, too many trails on federal lands, notably in Wilderness areas, have fallen into disrepair or disappeared entirely. Too few people use them and far too few people help maintain them, which is a loss for public awareness of the majesty of our public lands and the need to conserve them,” said Ted Stroll of the Sustainable Trails Coalition. “Senator Lee’s legislation will reinvigorate Wilderness trail management.” For bill text, click HERE. For one-pager, click HERE. A bill to authorize the use of off-highway vehicles in certain areas of the Capitol Reef National Park, Utah This bill extends Utah law for motor vehicles to include off-highway vehicles (OHV) within certain parts of Capitol Reef National Park. Permissible OHV portions would be included on Burr Trail Road, Cathedral Road, Hartnet Road, Highway 24, Notom Bullfrog Road, Polk Creek Road, Oil Ranch Road, and Baker Ranch Road. For bill text, click HERE. A bill to amend Title 54, United States Code, to provide that State law shall apply to the use of motor vehicles on roads within a System unit This bill would amend Title 54 of United States Code to allow states to monitor motor and off-highway vehicles in National Park Systems within their state. For bill text, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moores-statement-on-his-vote-in-support-of-the-service-member-quality-of-life-improvement-and-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2025,Congressman Blake Moore’s Statement on His Vote in Support of the Service Member Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025,2024-06-14,2024,2024-06,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON ­– Congressman Blake Moore issued the following statement on his vote in support of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “As the Member of Congress representing Hill Air Force Base (HAFB) and the northern Utah defense community, I was grateful to vote for H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. This bill provides a 19.5% base pay increase for our junior uniformed airmen at HAFB, strengthens our armed forces through investments in advanced technology, and sustains military readiness and deterrence that sends a message of strength to American adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. This bill supports our defense efforts while saving taxpayers $30 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons systems, and unnecessary bureaucracy at the Pentagon. In this NDAA, I secured wins that will help advance the mission set and benefit the servicemembers at HAFB. I worked with the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) to include language requiring the Comptroller General to explore alternative methods for locality pay calculations, and I also led with my HASC colleagues amendments requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to produce a comprehensive plan for U.S. depots and military industrial facilities like the Ogden Air Logistics Complex and add safer construction standards for new housing projects on military bases. The NDAA fully funds HAFB’s Sentinel program, which will modernize our ground-based intercontinental ballistic missile program, bring nearly 4,000 jobs to northern Utah, and ensure a reliable ground-based nuclear deterrent long into the future. In addition, I successfully worked with my colleagues to authorize two military construction projects at HAFB worth $78 million: $28 million for the F-35 East Campus infrastructure and $50 million for a future T-7A Depot Maintenance Complex. My Retain Skilled Veterans Act also made it into the bill to remove the 180-day waiting period for veterans seeking to transition to civilian service at the DOD after their time in uniform. Consistent with my pro-life and pro-family values, I supported an amendment prohibiting the Secretary of Defense from using taxpayer dollars to pay for or reimburse expenses related to abortion, reinstating a longstanding policy the Biden administration violated. This NDAA also supports military families by increasing funding for housing maintenance and allowing military spouses to more easily transfer their professional licenses across state lines after a relocation. I am pleased that the overall cost of this package is within the guardrails of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 and allows us to both support our servicemembers and their families while responsibly stewarding taxpayer dollars. Prioritizing and equipping our military is the only way the United States can create a strong national defense that deters our adversaries and global threats. It is my honor to represent HAFB and uphold my commitment to advocate for our defense community.” Background: The Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act outlines the United States defense policies for Fiscal Year 2025. The bill also lays out specific priorities for the Pentagon and Department of Energy and provisions that would affect defense programs that are funded by discretionary appropriations in 2025 and future years. These provisions will primarily affect benefits and compensation, force structure, and multiyear procurement of weapons systems. In addition to the wins outlined in Congressman Moore’s statement, H.R. 8070 delivers for our servicemembers, their families, and our nation defense strategy by: Fully funding deployment of the National Guard at the southwest border, Expanding U.S.-Israel military exercises and funding cooperative missile defense programs, Increasing funding for U.S. defense efforts in the Indo-Pacific to support Taiwan and allies in the Indo-Pacific, Requiring merit-based military promotions, Hiring more childcare staff, Expanding access to specialty healthcare providers and employing mental health providers, Ending affirmative action at service academies and DEI bureaucracy at the Pentagon, and Restricting unapproved flags from being flown on military bases. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-introduces-outdoor-americans-with-disabilities-act,Lee Introduces Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act,2024-06-13,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act, legislation to ensure that all Americans, regardless of physical ability, can access and enjoy our nation’s public lands. “Our federal lands are a treasure belonging to all Americans, funded by their taxpayer dollars,“said Senator Lee. “Ensuring these lands are accessible to everyone is not just a matter of convenience but essential for allowing all citizens to explore the natural wonders our great country offers.” Currently, the federal government manages approximately 640 million acres of land, a vast expanse often unreachable for those with disabilities due to restrictions on motorized vehicles and limited road access. Sen. Lee’s bill would mandate that for every square mile of disability-accessible land,at least 2.5 miles of accessible roads be open to motorized vehicles, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these lands without undue hardship. Key provisions of the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act include: Defining Accessibility: Establishing clear definitions for disability-accessible lands to guide federal agencies and ensure consistency across public lands. Updating Plans: Directing the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize the updating of travel management plans, improving accessibility for motor vehicle use on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Ensuring Stakeholder Input: Requiring local stakeholder involvement in decisions about road closures to maintain accessibility and meet community needs. Maintaining Open Access: Restricting the closure of roads that would prevent lands from meeting accessibility requirements, except in cases of emergency or significant health and safety risks. The bill also establishes procedures for public notification and involvement in any proposed road closures, ensuring transparency and community participation in the management of public lands. By removing barriers and increasing accessibility, this bill will ensure that the beauty of our landscapes continues to be a source of inspiration and enjoyment for generations to come. Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act: Bill Text | One-Pager Support for the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act: ""On behalf of our members with disabilities, I would like to thank Senator Lee for his leadership on this issue. Federal land managers are required to analyze the impacts of their decisions on dirt, but they have no requirement to ensure that their decisions don't hurt disabled Americans. Every time decisions are announced to close more of our backcountry roads, I hear from our disabled Americans that they feel discriminated against and ignored. Our federal land managers need strong guidance form Congress to manage our public lands in a way that benefits all Americans, and this legislation provides necessary and powerful protections."" - Ben Burr - Executive Director, BlueRibbon Coalition “As President of the Blue Ribbon Coalition, it has been very disappointing to watch the unprecedented amount of public land closures to motorized vehicle use over the past few years. These closures do not contemplate the diverse needs of those who use the land. I am excited to see this piece of legislation from Senator Mike Lee. We all have a right to enjoy public lands and this is a sure step in the right direction and an obvious solution to the challenge of access to those with disabilities.” - Ranch Pratt - President, BlueRibbon Coalition ""Without motorized access, those with special needs and disabilities - including many veterans - will not have access to public lands because they do not have the ability to hike, jump on a bike, or ride a horse. Motorized vehicles are essentially an extension of their body, it’s their legs to enjoy the same great outdoors that able-bodied citizens can enjoy. If you eliminate motorize access to public lands then you take out two user groups that have zero chance to ever experience these public lands. These user groups are not asking to forge new trails, they just want to keep existing routes and trails open so that they can get the same therapeutic experience from nature that able-bodied citizens have access to. At Trail Hero we have had over 5000 veterans and over 1000 people with special needs join us on trails throughout Utah over the last 9 years.” - Rich Klein - President/Founder, Trail Hero “As President of UTV Utah, one of the largest off-road groups in the state representing over 50,000 families, I strongly support the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act. This crucial legislation will ensure that individuals with disabilities are not excluded from the benefits of outdoor recreation on public lands. Our group has organized numerous rides for those with special needs, allowing them to experience the beauty of our public lands through motorized recreation. Without protected access to these roads and trails, many individuals with disabilities would be deprived of the chance to enjoy these natural spaces. The Act’s requirement for land management agencies to recognize motorized recreation as an important form of disability access is vital. We must safeguard this access to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can continue to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Utah. I urge all stakeholders to support this essential legislation.” - Bud Bruening, President, UTV Utah ""As the Safety and Education Coordinator I support any legislation that protects access for people like myself with mobility limitations. When access is restricted to non motorized use, thousands of people are denied the opportunity to experience that area."" - Christie Chatfield, Arizona State Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs “One of the many blessings of this life is being able to spend time in the outdoors. The Positive affected it has on a persons mind and soul is almost indescribable. Taking away access for those with disabilities would take away the pleasure from them.” - Nick Steinbach, Desert Raiders M/C “As a cancer survivor who is dealing with long term side effects from chemo it has limited my physical abilities. I can still hike short distances to see things from where I ride my ohv to but if ohv access gets eliminated and the hiking gets further then I would not be able to hike the full distance in. We should not be limiting access to our public lands. The discrimination against motorized and disabled users needs to stop!” - Andy Gordon, Board Member, Castle Country OHV Association “I have been a lifetime OHV Enthusiast and have used both the state and federal lands in Idaho and surrounding states to recreate. I became disabled in 2021 and now require motorized vehicle access to use these public areas. I am ambulatory paraplegic. I am able to walk short distances but cannot traverse uneven ground very well. I require some kind of motorized assistance to get around out in the desert and the woods. Eliminating motorized access would eliminate me from being able to see and experience the forest and desert.” - Jeff Bell “I am 83 and have recreated on public lands for over 60 years. Many of my fondness memories are of those activities. Personally some of my most rewarding experiences are sharing outdoor adventures with others who haven't yet enjoyed those I have.” - Glen Zumwalt, Tri-State ATV Association “I support the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act. Getting outdoors and recreating on our public lands is a right that all Americans should be able to enjoy. But those with Disabilities aren't able to enjoy them in many cases, because they can't access our public lands without the use of motorized transportation. The travel plans that are being implemented by the BLM and Forest Service completely disregard the needs of Americans with disabilities. Being able to get out and enjoy nature improves their mental health, and in many cases their physical health.” - Steven Hawkins, Utah ATV Association “Access to public property is about more than just recreation, it is a cornerstone of who we are and why we live in the areas we do. Camping, hunting and all forms of recreation are important to our health and well being physically and economically. To limit access affects both. I ask that you please maintain all roads and trails that have historically been in place.” - Darrel Raver, North Idaho Trailblazers “As a board member of Castle Country I support this. I wouldn't have been able to see half the places I have with my family if we had to hike or were unable to get there on the sxs. Also, we have a disabled kid within our organization and he is able to drive or ride in a sxs with the group to see a bunch of these sites. If we lock up and close the trails he and everyone else with disabilities are then unable to see the same sites as the people who are physically fit enough to hike for miles. This seems to me to be discrimination at its most basic point.” - Jerace Glover, Board Member Castle Country OHV Association “Since a small stroke in 2020 I have had limited mobility on my left side. I can walk about 50 yards and then I need help. My Jeep is my only way to access the back country and the many beautiful areas of the southwest. As a landscape and nature photographer any limitations to trail access has a direct effect on the areas I can experience, photograph and share. Please support the Bill to provide access for all Americans.” - Steve Williams, Tucson Rough Riders ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-introduces-two-key-bills-to-bolster-u-s-maritime-and-naval-capabilities,Lee Introduces Two Key Bills to Bolster U.S. Maritime and Naval Capabilities,2024-06-12,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON –Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at enhancing the readiness and capabilities of the United States Navy and Coast Guard. The ""Ensuring Naval Readiness Act"" and the ""Ensuring Coast Guard Readiness Act"" are designed to modernize and expedite the construction and procurement processes for U.S. maritime forces by fostering increased collaboration with allied nations. ""Both bills are about leveraging our diplomatic relationships and the comparative advantages of our allies to ensure America remains at the forefront of maritime security,"" said Senator Lee. ""By modernizing our approach to shipbuilding and repair, we can enhance our readiness and maintain our military edge, all while ensuring fiscal responsibility."" ""The Ensuring Naval Readiness Act"" addresses the critical shortfall in our naval forces, echoing the Force Structure Assessment's recommendation for a fleet of 355 ships to ensure a ready and capable Navy. By allowing the option to construct ships or components in shipyards of NATO member countries or Indo-Pacific nations with which the U.S. has mutual defense agreements, this bill aims to reduce costs and speed up delivery times, helping to close the gap between current capabilities and strategic needs. Following closely, ""The Ensuring Coast Guard Readiness Act"" proposes a strategic shift in the construction of U.S. Coast Guard vessels. This legislation permits the Coast Guard to partner with allied shipyards to procure vessels more quickly and cost-effectively, without compromising national security. It specifically allows for the construction of major vessel components in foreign shipyards not influenced by adversarial powers, particularly China. For further details on the bills or to review bill texts and summaries, please click the links below: Ensuring Naval Readiness Act: Bill Text | One-Pager",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-and-manchin-lead-bipartisan-bill-to-ensure-national-guard-readiness,Lee and Manchin Lead Bipartisan Bill to Ensure National Guard Readiness,2024-06-11,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Joe Manchin (I-WV), along with Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Steve Daines (R-MT), J.D. Vance (R-OH), and Jim Risch (R-ID), today introduced the Guarding Readiness Resources Act. This legislation provides an exemption from the Miscellaneous Receipts Act for State Active Duty (SAD) reimbursement payments intended for the National Guard Bureau, allowing these funds to be directed back to the National Guard units that incurred the expenses. ""The National Guard is a cornerstone of our national defense and emergency response system, responding to everything from natural disasters to national security threats,"" said Senator Lee. ""Unfortunately, the current process for reimbursing Guard units creates unnecessary financial hurdles that undermine their readiness. Our bill ensures that the funds used by states to reimburse the National Guard go directly to maintaining and preparing our equipment for future missions."" “We are all incredibly grateful to the brave members of our National Guard who protect West Virginians and all Americans from any threat that comes our way,” said Senator Manchin.“I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Guarding Readiness Resources Act to ensure National Guard units can receive the federal reimbursements they need to continue serving our country safely and effectively. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join this commonsense legislation that supports our Guard men and women and boosts emergency preparedness in our communities.” ""National Guardsmen are essential to our national defense and disaster response capabilities. Their ability to respond quickly and effectively to natural disasters, civil disturbances, and other state missions is vital to the safety and security of our communities,"" said Senator Cruz. ""I am proud to join Sens. Lee and Manchin in introducing bipartisan legislation that ensures funds needed to maintain the Guard's readiness go to the right place. This change will directly benefit our National Guard units across Texas and the entire nation, empowering them to better serve our citizens."" “The men and women of the National Guard serve our country and communities with bravery and honor. They are often among the first to respond to a major disaster like a blizzard or flood,” said Senator Klobuchar.“This legislation will ensure they can maintain the resources they need to fulfill their missions.” “I’m proud to introduce the Guarding Readiness Resources Act to ensure that our National Guard has the necessary funding for equipment and is prepared for any emergency,” said Senator Rubio. “The National Guard continually protects us both at home and abroad,” said Senator Crapo. “This bill goes a long way in eliminating federal red tape to ensure readiness and provides the National Guard with the funding, resources and equipment to successfully carry out missions.” The legislation responds to a significant operational challenge faced by the National Guard. While federal law permits the use of federal assets for state-directed missions, states must reimburse the National Guard Bureau when the mission is complete. A funding shortfall results when these reimbursements are directed to the U.S. Treasury, rather than the appropriate Guard unit. Retired Maj Gen. Francis M. McGinn, president of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), highlighted the urgency of the bill: ""The National Guard continuously responds to the dynamic domestic challenges this nation faces. Immediate response often requires significant unforeseen state expenditures. While the law allows for federal reimbursement, it is executed in such a way that states never see those much-needed funds. This creates substantial budget gaps that threaten the readiness of the force,“said McGinn. ""The Guarding Readiness Resources Act corrects this oversight and ensures the National Guard has the necessary resources to effectively fulfill their mission. We are grateful for the work of Senators Lee and Manchin and ask for full congressional support for inclusion in the FY25 NDAA."" ""The scope of how we utilize the members of the National Guard today can consist of deployments overseas or service to our own communities,"" said Jeffrey Frisby, Executive Director of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). ""The dual mission of the National Guard to serve both the state and federal governments often creates blurry lines in pay, benefits, and even the utilization of military equipment. With the high standards of serviceability for military property, it is important that the funding is always there for repair, maintenance, and to ensure mission success. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States is thankful for the work of Senator Lee and Senator Manchin to ensure that we eliminate any delays in the funds that would be used to ensure National Guard equipment is always ready, for every mission, no matter where we are called to be next."" For a one-pager, click HERE For bill text, click HERE ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/breaking-the-bank-sen-lee-introduces-bill-to-abolish-the-federal-reserve,Breaking the Bank: Sen. Lee Introduces Bill to Abolish the Federal Reserve,2024-06-06,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Federal Reserve Board Abolition Act, legislation that would dissolve the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve banks and repeal the 1913 Federal Reserve Act, which established the System. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) leads the companion bill in the House of Representatives. ""The Federal Reserve has overstepped and repeatedly failed to achieve its mandate and become an economic manipulator that has directly contributed to the financial instability many Americans face today,"" said Sen. Lee. ""This legislation aims to protect our economic future by dismantling a system that enables unchecked governmentspending, the monetization of federal debt that fuels it, and widespread economic disruption. It’s time to end theFed."" ""Americans are suffering under crippling inflation, and the Federal Reserve is to blame,"" said Rep. Massie. ""During COVID, the Federal Reserve created trillions of dollars out of thin air and loaned it to the Treasury Department to enable unprecedented deficit spending. By monetizing the debt, the Federal Reserve devalued the dollar and enabled free money policies that caused the high inflation we see today.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/6/lee-introduces-bill-to-protect-gun-shop-owners-and-uphold-the-second-amendment,Lee Introduces Bill to Protect Gun Shop Owners and Uphold the Second Amendment,2024-06-05,2024,2024-06,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the STOP the BIS Rule Act, legislation seeking to defend the rights of American gun shop owners and uphold the Second Amendment. Sen. Lee’s bill would prohibitthe use of federal funds to finalize, implement, or enforce the harmful interim rule issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which severely restricts the sale of American-made firearms to international customers. Congressman Mark Green (R-TN) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. ""Time and again, American gun exporters and small businesses jump through hoops imposed by this administration, only to find those standards arbitrarily changed,"" said Sen. Lee. ""This rule is a strategic attempt to undermine an entire industry. We must challenge the Biden administration's relentless assault on the Second Amendment and defend the rights of our small business owners."" “The Biden BIS has gone rogue. BIS’s new rule on gun exports will make it nearly impossible for many gun shop owners to make a living,” said Rep. Green. “This rule punishes law-abiding business owners all because of the left’s antipathy for the Second Amendment. Our Founders warned against this kind of sweeping government overreach.” The STOP the BIS Rule Act represents a firm stand against overregulation and would ensure that the federal government cannot use taxpayer dollars to undermine our constitutional rights and unduly punish law-abiding gun manufacturers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:11:47Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moore-introduces-bicameral-legislation-to-deter-chinese-aggression-against-taiwan,Congressman Blake Moore Introduces Bicameral Legislation to Deter Chinese Aggression Against Taiwan,2024-06-03,2024,2024-06,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) introduced the Deterring Economic Aggression Through Retaliation (DETER) Act, a bicameral piece of legislation with Senator James Lankford (R-OK) to counter the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) aggressive behavior and use economic leverage to prevent an invasion of Taiwan. The DETER Act would look to avert a future crisis in the Taiwan Strait by revoking China’s Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status with the United States if the PRC engages in an act of military aggression or serious economic coercion, such as a blockade, that violates the sovereignty or territorial integrity of Taiwan. This bill also requires the United States Trade Representative and other agencies to conduct a regular assessment of current U.S. trade and supply chain vulnerabilities that would be affected by PNTR suspension, along with proposals to mitigate those risks and reduce reliance on China in the meantime. ""There are times for unpredictability in matters of foreign policy and there are times for telling our adversaries what the consequences of their actions would look like,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “Xi Jinping has openly stated that he aims to conquer and ‘reunify’ Taiwan and has built up China's military posture for this very purpose. A crisis in the Taiwan Strait, in which China breaks the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific and chokes off international trade and critical materials, would be catastrophic for American families, jobs, and livelihoods. Senator Lankford and I believe that we need to send Communist China a clear message that changes their calculus and prevents an invasion. I am proud to use my position on the House Ways and Means Committee to advance U.S. national security through trade policy.” “The Chinese Communist Party has consistently taken advantage of poorer nations around the globe. They have eliminated personal freedom in Hong Kong, committed untold human rights violations, stolen American intellectual property, and continually threaten their neighbors,” said Senator James Lankford. “The DETER Act will leverage China’s access to the American market to deter further aggression and allow the US to immediately act in the event Beijing invades Taiwan. We must not wait until a war has started—we must act now to put China on notice and ultimately deter the CCP from invading Taiwan.” Background: PNTR provides foreign countries “most favored nation status” in U.S. trade law, which gives them preferential access to the U.S. market with fewer tariff barriers. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Congress quickly revoked PNTR status for the Russian Federation and Belarus. However, Vladimir Putin’s miscalculation of Western resolve was partly because the United States failed to send clear signals of the economic consequences he would face before he invaded Ukraine. The United States should not repeat this mistake when dealing with Xi Jinping and his open desire to conquer Taiwan. The DETER Act will create and demonstrate clear economic consequences if China engages in military aggression against the island of Taiwan. This bill received primary referral to the House Ways and Means Committee, which holds jurisdiction over all foreign trade and revenue-raising measures in the House of Representatives. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:23:40Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=200,Rep. Maloy Congratulates Washington County for $20.5 Million Drought Resiliency Grant from Bureau of Reclamation,2024-05-28,2024,2024-05,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representative Celeste Maloy (UT-02) congratulated Washington County and the Washington County Water Conservancy District for receiving a $20.5 million grant from the Bureau of Reclamation. The funds will support the district’s Regional Reuse System, a $1 billion system that includes new and expanded treatment facilities, reservoirs, pipelines and other infrastructure needed to provide water to more than 200,000 county residents. “Washington County is at the forefront of water conservation to make sure our residents and economy can continue to thrive,"" said Rep. Maloy. ""The Regional Reuse System is exactly the kind of innovative solution to a dry climate that will help secure Southern Utah's future. It is great to see these federal dollars going to the right place.” “We are planning for a hotter and drier climate with increased unpredictability in the availability of fresh water,” said Zach Renstrom, general manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy District. “Reuse water is critical to providing a reliable supply for our expanding economy and growing population. We expect about half of the water our communities need over the next 20 years to come from our Regional Reuse System, a robust $1 billion system that will include new and expanded treatment facilities, four storage reservoirs, 60 miles of pipeline and multiple pump stations. The federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be put to good use and will be of great benefit to Utah and Washington County.” BACKGROUND: Utah is one of the fastest growing and driest states in the country and has been working to conserve water with limited resources. Due to new water efficiency standards, water rate increases, and rebate programs like grass replacement, Utah’s per capita water usage has decreased significantly. Washington County’s Regional Reuse System will further conserve water and is essential for Utah’s future.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/lee-introduces-bill-to-modernize-federal-regulatory-reviews,Lee Introduces Bill to Modernize Federal Regulatory Reviews,2024-05-23,2024,2024-05,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Modernizing Retrospective Regulatory Review Act, which directs the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to leverage technology to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of reviews on outdated and redundant regulations. The legislation is co-sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT). Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) is leading the companion bill in the House of Representatives. ""Americans deserve a government that moves at the speed of business, not the speed of bureaucracy,"" said Sen. Lee. ""By using modern technology to refine our regulatory framework, we can boost economic growth and ensure that our government regulations reflect today's realities."" “The federal government should not be an ever-growing beast hindering innovation with red tape and procedural hurdles,” said Sen. Lummis. “The Modernizing Retrospective Review Act will bring the federal government into the 21st century by utilizing modern technology to identify and eliminate unnecessary federal regulations to streamline the regulatory process that has ballooned into a 20-year slog for some industries. It should not take a Washington regulator longer to greenlight a project than it did for someone in Wyoming to come up with the idea.” “American businesses must be given the opportunity to thrive without overbearing, costly, contradictory, and duplicative regulations mandated by the DC Swamp,” said Rep. Biggs. “Federal overregulation takes a colossal toll on the U.S. economy. Thousands of new regulations go into effect every year, and there simply isn’t enough manpower or existing technology to sift through previously issued regulations. AI technology is an effective tool that can save taxpayer dollars, benefit American business owners, and promote economic growth.” Key features of the bill include: A mandate for OIRA to issue guidance on employing modern technology, like Artificial Intelligence, to refine regulatory reviews. A requirement for federal agencies to develop and submit a ""Retrospective Review Plan,"" detailing their strategies for implementing OIRA's guidance. An obligation for OIRA to report to Congress on the availability of federal regulations in a machine-readable format. The introduction of this bill aligns with the broader goals of the Trump Administration's deregulatory agenda and leverages the advancements we've made in technology to identify scores of rules and regulations that can and should be eliminated. .",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moore-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-enhance-the-court-improvement-program,Congressman Blake Moore Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Enhance the Court Improvement Program,2024-05-21,2024,2024-05,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) introduced the Court Improvement Program Enhancement Act of 2024, bipartisan legislation to enhance the Court Improvement Program (CIP) so courts can promote quality care and improved outcomes for children and families. Congressman Moore was joined by Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) in introducing this legislation. The Court Improvement Program Enhancement Act will clarify that CIP funds may be used towards technological improvements including technology support for remote hearings and to coordinate with other agencies on backup approaches to prevent disruption and enable recovery from public health crises, natural disasters, cyber-attacks, and more. The bill will revamp current state court requirements to better handle foster care and adoption proceedings by allowing state courts to use CIP funds for remote hearing technology and training for judges, attorneys, and other legal personnel to improve parent, family, and youth engagement in child welfare proceedings. “The Court Improvement Program is essential to ensuring courts can best serve children and families in the child welfare system. The Court Improvement Program Enhancement Act of 2024 takes the program a step further by clarifying that courts can and should invest in technology that improves outcomes for children and families and protects against interruptions caused by natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or public health crises,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “I am glad to be working with my colleagues, Rep. Miller and Rep. Chu, on this bipartisan initiative to improve our child welfare system, and I look forward to seeing this bill advance through the Ways and Means Committee.” “The Court Improvement Program is critical in helping improve the judicial process for foster care and adoption proceedings. The Court Improvement Program Enhancement Act will help modernize the child welfare system and allow for new technological advancements to increase efficiency and care within the judicial process. These targeted reforms will help more children find loving and safe homes,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller. “Every child deserves to have a safe and stable home, with parents or guardians who love and support them,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu. “By providing grants to State and Tribal courts to collect data, assess their child welfare and judicial practices and develop improvement plans, and support child welfare legal training and expertise, the Court Improvement Program has a strong record of helping resolve legal cases involving vulnerable children and their families in a timely and effective manner and enhancing child welfare outcomes. That is why I'm co-leading this bipartisan bill, the Court Improvement Program Enhancement Act, to reauthorize and improve upon this critical program. Importantly, our bill will increase access to and modernize legal services through continued flexibility for virtual proceedings, strengthen state court interactions with tribal courts, and increase funding for State and Tribal courts.” The Court Improvement Program (CIP) supports Superior Courts in overseeing cases and hearings on child abuse and neglect in a timely manner. The CIP enhances courts' capabilities in handling child welfare hearings, providing essential training to judges on trauma-informed care and promoting quality care and improved outcomes for children and families. The text of this legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:12:30Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moore-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-prevent-the-waste-fraud-and-abuse-of-federal-funds,"Congressman Blake Moore Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent the Waste, Fraud, and Abuse of Federal Funds",2024-05-13,2024,2024-05,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent the waste, fraud, and abuse of federal funds. H.R. 8343, the Enhancing Improper Payment Accountability Act, would support the protection of taxpayer dollars by enacting more comprehensive reporting requirements for new federal spending programs and ensuring all programs are compliant with current reporting standards. In-depth information on programs and activities susceptible to improper payments will provide Congress and executive branch agencies the necessary tools to detect and prevent improper payments. “Over the last 20 years, the federal government has made $2.7 trillion in improper payments. Mishandling taxpayer dollars with little oversight is big government at its worst,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “That is why I am pleased to introduce the Enhancing Improper Payment Accountability Act as part of the House Budget Committee’s package to tackle improper payments. This legislation will enact more reporting requirements for new federal spending programs, improving our ability to detect and prevent improper payments and more responsibly steward our federal resources. There are plenty of messaging bills in Congress, but this bill is squarely focused on addressing a major issue within our spending crisis.” “Virginia taxpayers and Americans across our country deserve to trust that their federal tax dollars are going toward their intended purpose. Unfortunately, we continue to receive reports of payments that should not have been made or have been made in the wrong amount,” said Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger. “Improper payments and fraud not only hurt American taxpayers — but also hurt the members of our communities who federal programs are created to assist and diminish public trust in the federal government’s role managing taxpayer dollars. Congress has a responsibility to both stand up programs that address the pressing needs of Americans and protect their hard-earned dollars.” Specifically, the Enhancing Improper Payment Accountability Act would: Designate all new federal spending programs making more than $100 million in payments annually in the first three fiscal years as “susceptible to significant improper payments” in their initial four years of operation; Subject these programs to more stringent and timely improper payment reporting requirements; Require agencies to report on their antifraud controls and fraud risk management efforts in their annual financial reports to Congress; and Require the President’s budget request to disclose information on agencies and programs that are required to report on improper payments but do not do so. Supporting groups include: the Utah Taxpayers Association, the Audient Group, Bipartisan Policy Center Action, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, the National Taxpayers Union, the Project On Government Oversight, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance. Background According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), improper payments are any payments “that should not have been made or were made in the incorrect amount.” Since Fiscal Year (FY) 2003, the federal government has made a cumulative $2.7 trillion in improper payments. Each year, the federal government makes hundreds of billions in improper payments. In FY 2023 alone, 14 federal agencies reported a total of $236 billion in improper payments across 71 government programs. As new programs are created and federal spending soars, so does the risk of improper payments. Annual improper payments have increased from $106 billion in FY 2013 to $247 billion in FY 2022. The true cost to the federal government of improper payments is likely even higher than current data indicates, as some programs that agencies have determined are susceptible to significant improper payments do not report estimates. The Enhancing Improper Payment Accountability Act would address wasteful and fraudulent spending by codifying recommendations from the GAO for more stringent and timely reporting requirements in new federal spending programs and directing the President’s budget request to disclose information on agencies and programs that are noncompliant with current reporting requirements. All of this would reinforce the role of Congress and federal agencies in reducing the occurrence of improper payments. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moore-joins-colleagues-in-sending-letter-to-demand-us-customs-and-border-protection-investigate-visa-fraud-by-us-colleges-and-universities,Congressman Blake Moore Joins Colleagues in Sending Letter to Demand U.S. Customs and Border Protection Investigate Visa Fraud by U.S. Colleges & Universities,2024-05-10,2024,2024-05,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Blake Moore joined his colleagues in sending a letter to the Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner, Troy Miller, demanding U.S. Customs and Border Protection launch investigations into possible cases of visa fraud committed by colleges and universities that have failed to enforce rules that protect students from antisemitic harassment on their campuses. “Over the past several weeks, we have seen an influx of threats and incidents of violence against Jewish students and destruction of campus property at universities across the nation. Campus leaders have failed to enforce their own rules for the sake of protecting foreign national students and are refusing to apply university-wide penalties to students based solely on their visa status. Instead, they are canceling classes and graduation ceremonies, forcing innocent students to bear the brunt of protestors’ misconduct,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “By waiving codes of conduct for visa holders, these schools are skirting U.S. law that determines visa-holding students’ eligibility to remain in the United States lawfully, constituting visa fraud. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a responsibility to ensure visa holders are adhering to the same laws by which American citizens are expected to abide. That is why my colleagues demand they launch an investigation into Columbia University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas at Austin, and other schools experiencing mass demonstrations to determine whether university officials are committing visa fraud.” The full letter is below: Dear Mr. Miller, I write today to demand U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) investigate any possible cases of visa fraud perpetuated by college and university administrators as it pertains to the demonstrations and unrest that have taken place in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Since the horrific attacks and subsequent violence carried out by Hamas and Iran-backed proxy groups against the State of Israel on October 7, 2023, there has been a dramatic uptick in antisemitic protests, rallies, and demonstrations expressing support for Israel’s enemies and, at times, explicitly calling for violence against Jewish and Israeli Americans. Demonstration activity on college campuses specifically has spiked in the last several weeks, particularly at well- established universities such as Columbia University. In many instances, Jewish activities and spaces, such as Cornell University’s Jewish center, have been directly targeted by demonstrators. The concern over additional violence by the protestors has had consequences ranging from canceled and remote-only classes to canceled graduation ceremonies, leaving innocent bystanders forced to bear the brunt of the consequences. Of particular concern is the unwillingness and at times outright refusal of university officials to enforce school codes of conduct. There have been reports of failures by university administrators to apply consequences for violation of codes of conduct, such as suspension, to foreign students who are in the U.S. on limited educational visas explicitly due to the potential legal ramifications, such as confiscation of lawful status and/or deportation. Failure to apply consequences to visa holders directly impacts these students’ eligibility to remain in the U.S. lawfully and doing so for that purpose would constitute visa fraud. The federal government has a responsibility to ensure visa-holding immigrants are adhering to the same laws and codes of conduct to which American citizens are also bound. I therefore demand CBP launch an investigation into Columbia University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University at Texas at Austin, as well as any other colleges or universities where mass demonstration activity is taking place to determine whether and to what degree university officials are committing visa fraud through their concealment of information, noncooperation with law enforcement, and refusal to enforce codes of conduct. Signed, Representatives Blake Moore, Beth Van Duyne, Jeff Duncan, Burgess Owens, Brandon Williams, Pete Stauber, Stephanie Bice, Greg Steube, Keith Self, Dan Meuser, Randy Weber, Wesley Hunt, Troy Balderson, Andy Harris, Tim Burchett, Bob Good, Pat Fallon, Pete Sessions, Rich McCormick, Morgan Luttrell, John Carter, Brian Babin, Aaron Bean, Virginia Foxx, Bill Huizenga, Andrew Clyde, Ronny Jackson, Kay Granger, Byron Donalds, Rudy Yakym, Warren Davidson, Claudia Tenney, Derrick Van Orden, Scott Perry, Michael Cloud, Michael Waltz, Troy Nehls, Tracey Mann, Cory Mills, Harriet Hageman, Nancy Mace, Michael Burgess, Michael McCaul, and Andrew Ogles. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moores-office-named-a-finalist-for-congressional-constituent-service-award,Congressman Blake Moore’s Office Named a Finalist for Congressional Constituent Service Award,2024-05-10,2024,2024-05,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The office of Congressman Blake Moore has been named a finalist for the Congressional Management Foundation’s (CMF) Democracy Award for Constituent Service, recognizing their top-notch constituent services program that serves Utah’s First District. Congressman Moore’s office is being commended for their regular in-person and telephone town halls, staff-led mobile office hours, weekly e-newsletter, casework protocol, and much more. “Since my first day in office, I have held the motto: No one in Washington ever voted for me. My constituents elected me to this role, and serving and representing them in Congress is my first priority,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “Everything my team and I do connects back to our constituents, and we put a strong emphasis on getting out into communities, engaging with Utahns to help with their questions and casework, and going above and beyond to be a resource and provide seamless services and experiences. The lion’s share of this is work is done by my team members, both in Ogden and Washington, and should we be selected as the winner, it would be because of their hard work. We are honored to be a finalist for this Democracy Award, and I thank my team for their service to the First District and to the constituents who trust us with their casework and participate in our events.” “As a Democracy Award finalist, the Rep. Moore office is clearly one of the best in Congress,” said Bradford Fitch, President and CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation. “This designation demonstrates that Rep. Moore has made a significant commitment to being the best public servant for his constituents. Rep. Moore and his staff are to be congratulated for not only being a model for his colleagues in Congress, but for helping to restore trust and faith that our democratic institutions can work.” CMF cited the following as reasons for selecting Rep. Moore as finalist for this award: “Whether through the weekly e-newsletter, town halls, or mobile office hours, the office of Representative Blake Moore prides itself on its efficient operations and effective casework management. With a 27-page casework manual accessible to all members of the team, the office maintains efficiency through communicating casework updates in the team's weekly internal all-staff report. The team also reviews casework procedures with all new staff during the onboarding process so every staff member understands how to manage caseload and ways to increase efficiency while maintaining quality. Rep. Moore hosts regular tele-town halls (every 1-2 months) to call constituents, provide legislative updates, and take questions. Rep. Moore also hosts a series of in-person town halls - so far in 2024, he's hosted 9 - which is a great way for the office to hear constituent success stories and learn how they can better assist constituents. Additionally, the office conducts routine mobile office hours - already 5 this year - to ensure individuals have access to their congressional office and services in their own communities. Recently, the office worked with the Utah delegation and the State Department to hold the largest on-site passport acceptance event in State Department history with five locations in five days around the state. In 2023, the office conducted 4,480 meetings with constituents and stakeholders, completed 1,283 casework cases, held 11 virtual and in-person town halls, sent 45 weekly e-newsletters, and hosted 9 mobile office hours.” The Congressional Management Foundation’s Democracy Awards recognize non-legislative achievement and performance in congressional offices in the following categories: Constituent Service, Constituent Accountability and Accessibility, “Life in Congress” Workplace Environment, and Innovation and Modernization. Two winners for each category—one Republican and one Democrat—will be announced in July. To learn more about CMF’s methodology and mission, click here. To learn how Congressman Moore’s office can serve you, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=175,Rep. Maloy and Utah Delegation Oppose New Biden Administration Effort to Halt Northern Corridor Highway,2024-05-10,2024,2024-05,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 10, 2024 Representatives Celeste Maloy (UT-02), Blake Moore (UT-01), John Curtis (UT-03), and Burgess Owens (UT-04) oppose the draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) announced by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The SEIS is being conducted to reconsider the Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) Right-of-Way (ROW) permit to construct the Northern Corridor Highway in St. George. “This new BLM supplemental is the latest effort by DC bureaucrats to undermine Southern Utah leaders as they plan our communities’ future,” said Rep. Maloy. “The Northern Corridor is an integral part of the transportation plan, and local leaders in Washington County have already completed more than necessary mitigation.” “The BLM’s recent announcement is negating the decades of work and millions of dollars that Utah’s local officials have spent to address transportation needs in Southern Utah while balancing environmental and conservation needs. I am deeply frustrated with this continuous federal overreach and dismissal of the people closest to the land. I encourage Utahns to participate in this comment process and urge the Administration to remember who they are leaving behind by ignoring local voices,” said Rep. Moore. “For over a decade, local elected officials have worked with the federal government to map out the Northern Corridor as directed by the law,” said Rep. Curtis. “To see the BLM ignore the law and betray these local officials, while stifling access and growth in this area, is maddening. Unelected bureaucrats from Washington, don’t understand this land better than those who have lived and worked on it for generations.” ""Utahns have long awaited the completion of the Northern Corridor Highway to address regional transportation needs as our communities continue to grow,"" said Rep. Owens. ""The BLM's decision to revisit the project's environmental impact undermines decades of collaboration and careful planning between stakeholders and local leaders. It's time to prioritize the voices of our communities and move forward with the Northern Corridor project."" Background: Washington County’s population has been rapidly expanding, driving the need for the proposed right-of-way highway in the Northern Corridor. The highway is intended to connect Red Hills Parkway to Washington Drive Parkway and would reduce east-west traffic between I-15 and SR-18. In 2021, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorized the proposal. However, the BLM and FWS have decided to revisit the project’s environmental impact.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/lee-and-roy-partner-on-legislation-to-secure-federal-elections,Lee and Roy Partner on Legislation to Secure Federal Elections,2024-05-08,2024,2024-05,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), alongside Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), introduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This crucial legislation seeks to ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in federal elections by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration. The SAVE Act is cosponsored by: Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Rick Scott (R-FL). The SAVE Act amends the National Voter Registration Act, setting requirements for states to verify U.S. citizenship. It outlines acceptable documentation for proving citizenship and requires states to set up alternative verification processes for citizens without standard documents. Additionally, the legislation compels states to purge non-citizens from voter rolls and establishes federal penalties for intentionally registering non-citizens. ““Illegal immigrants and non-citizens across the nation are being improperly registered to vote, allowing them to cast illegitimate ballots in federal elections,” said Sen. Lee. “At a time when trust in voting is more important than ever, we must stop foreign election interference and pass the SAVE Act. Voting is both a sacred right and responsibility of American citizenship, and allowing the people of other nations access to our elections is a grave blow to our security and self-governance. I’m proud to stand with Chip Roy to save our democratic process and representative government.” ""Secure elections are a key cornerstone for any representative government; without them, we won't have a country,” said Rep. Roy. “Radical progressive Democrats know this and are using open border policies while also attacking election integrity laws to fundamentally remake America. That's why I am proud to introduce the SAVE Act with Speaker Johnson and my Republican colleagues, along with the invaluable support of citizens and organizations that recognize we must end the practice of non-citizens voting in our elections.” “U.S. citizenship is sacred, and foreign nationals shouldn’t be able to vote in America’s elections,” said Sen. Kennedy. “The SAVE Act would ensure that people who aren’t even citizens don’t cancel out Louisianians and Americans’ voices at the ballot box.” ""Under Joe Biden's watch, over 11 million illegal aliens are now here on U.S. soil. That's enough to replace the entire population of Kansas almost FOUR TIMES over,"" Sen. Marshall said. ""Democrats motivations behind welcoming this influx of migrants has been clear: they believe these are future Democrat voters. While requiring U.S. citizenship for federal elections has long been a requirement, our legislation finally puts pen to paper on the exact documents a person will need to prove they are, in fact, an American citizen and eligible voter. Proof of citizenship as a requirement to vote in our elections should not be controversial- it is our responsibility to protect the integrity of our electoral process.” By implementing rigorous checks for voter registration, this legislation would defend against improper voting and seek to restore confidence in the integrity of our federal elections. For a one-pager, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/mike-lee-and-chip-roy-to-announce-save-act-to-protect-american-voters,Mike Lee and Chip Roy to Announce SAVE Act to Protect American Voters,2024-05-08,2024,2024-05,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, May 8, Senator Mike Lee, alongside Chip Roy and Speaker Johnson, will hold a press conference on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, legislation led by Senator Lee in the Senate and Congressman Chip Roy in the House. It would require proof of American citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. WHO: Senator Mike Lee Speaker Johnson Congressman Chip Roy Cleta Mitchell (FAIR Elections Fund) Jenny Beth Martin (Tea Party Patriots Action) Stephen Miller (America First Legal) Ken Cuccinelli (Election Transparency Initiative) Rosemary Jenks (Immigration Accountability Project) Andy Roth (State Freedom Caucus Network) WHAT: Press Conference WHEN: May 8 at 11:00 am ET WHERE: House Elm Site (directly across the plaza from the South Door) NOTE: Press interested in attending must have equipment pre-set by 10:00am ET for a security sweep. -###-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:01:11Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/5/lee-introduces-bill-targeting-wealthy-university-subsidies,Lee Introduces Bill Targeting Wealthy University Subsidies,2024-05-02,2024,2024-05,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the No Subsidies for Wealthy Universities Act, a new bill to address the misuse of taxpayer dollars in higher education. The bill targets institutions that perpetuate administrative bloat and advance ideological agendas under the guise of education. Its introduction comes in response to the disturbing wave of violence and antisemitic rhetoric that has swept across college campuses. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) have joined as cosponsors while Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) spearheads the companion effort in the House of Representatives. Sen. Lee's legislation specifically aims to eliminate indirect cost reimbursements on federal research grants for universities with endowments exceeding $5 billion and imposes stringent accountability measures on how these institutions utilize taxpayer funds, especially in their administrative and diversity departments. “The tax dollars of hard-working American families are going to ultra-wealthy universities, like Columbia and Harvard, supporting woke DEI programs while churning out graduates who riot for the destruction of Israel and desecrate the American flag,” said Sen. Lee. “It is a disgrace, which is why I introduced legislation to cut off certain public funding streams to the richest universities. If they want to trash their reputations as academic institutions, they can do it on their own dime.” ""Billions in taxpayer dollars intended for scientific research at wealthy universities, like Columbia and Harvard, are being hijacked to finance radical DEI agendas,” said Rep. Cline. “This misuse of funds is a blatant betrayal of American taxpayers. Congress has a duty to intervene, ensuring that these dollars are dedicated to legitimate research purposes, not to advance the Left's political doctrine on our campuses."" Sen. Lee's bill would cap indirect cost reimbursements, which have historically covered vague and non-itemizable expenses such as administrative overheads and building maintenance, at a maximum of 8% for institutions with endowments between $2 billion and $5 billion and at 15% for all others. Furthermore, the bill requires institutions receiving federal grant money to disclose the allocation of funds towards diversity, equity, and inclusion staffing, ensuring transparency and accountability. Heritage Action endorses the legislation. For bill text, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:12:30Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moores-statement-national-security-and-foreign-affairs-bills,Congressman Blake Moore’s Statement on National Security and Foreign Affairs Bills,2024-04-26,2024,2024-04,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Blake Moore issued the following statement after voting to defend U.S. national security and advance U.S. interests: “Today I voted in favor of four national security bills that will advance the U.S. national interest in a cost-effective manner, strengthen the domestic industrial base of the U.S. economy, and support our allies and partners as they defend themselves from threats posed by dangerous regimes. Utah’s First District is playing a significant role in leading our deterrence efforts, with our Hill Air Force Base fighter squadrons making consistent deployments to the European, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific theaters. While the United States has been the preeminent superpower on the world stage ever since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the sobering reality is that we are no longer alone and unchallenged. There isn't just one explanation for this. China's rampant growth and transition into a legitimate power is one. Vladimir Putin taking Russia down a dark path of aggression and bloodshed in Europe is another, as is Iran's ever-present goal of wiping Israel off the map. These packages proactively address this threat by taking a fundamentally conservative approach to foreign policy and national security: peace through strength. Notably, there has never been a more important time to support our ally Israel as they face unprecedented threats from all sides. Ensuring that we take strong deterrence measures, support our allies, and send clear signals to our adversaries are the best possible tools we have to prevent largescale global conflict and ensure the United States never has to fight another world war. Ronald Reagan understood this well, as did the Trump Administration. There are two things I want constituents to know: 1) The overwhelming majority of this money is going directly back into the U.S. economy and supporting jobs at home. Nearly 80% of the Ukraine funding, for example, will never leave U.S. shores and will instead replenish old defense articles and stocks or purchase new defense technology from U.S. businesses. $5.3 billion of the $8 billion Indo-Pacific bill goes directly into building submarines at home, fixing our drydock shipbuilding capacity, and replenishing old stocks. 2) The supplemental aid we have provided Ukraine since Russia’s invasion is approximately 5% of our defense spending and less than 0.2% of our GDP during that period. With these funds, we have deteriorated the Russian military, fortified the NATO alliance, and exposed Russian weaknesses – all without putting a single American soldier at risk. I certainly do not believe that any country should presume that it’s the U.S. taxpayer’s role to undersign every conflict or war against aggressors. But as China and Russia seek to undermine our economic prosperity and security, I believe today’s packages are squarely in our national interest because they allow us to improve our supply chains and industrial base, modernize our own weapons, and encourage our European partners to increase their own defense budgets and overall burden sharing. I voted in favor of an amendment to the Ukraine bill introduced by Rep. Cammack (R-FL) to block non-lethal assistance to Ukraine—a responsibility on which our European allies need to continue to lead — but this amendment was unsuccessful. I voted yes on final passage because failing to pass this bill would mean we do not provide lethal aid to Ukraine and replenish our own stocks. However, we took President Trump’s idea to convert the non-lethal aid portion of the Ukraine bill into a loan agreement, and we included oversight mechanisms and safeguards. We passed a third bill that will provide new security investments in the Indo-Pacific to help partners like the Philippines and Taiwan protect themselves from the Chinese Communist Party and maintain order in the region. Lastly, a fourth bill included new measures to sanction Iranian assets, stem the flow of fentanyl across the southern border, seize and repurpose Russian assets frozen in U.S. banks, and force TikTok’s Chinese owner to divest or face a ban. I am greatly disappointed that there wasn’t a border security measure in the final package, but this was because extreme voices in both parties refused to compromise, ensuring no movement at all to stem the brutal tide of violence and chaos at the border. Senator Lankford's border security proposal in February wasn't perfect, but we could have strengthened it in the House to restrict the onslaught of illegal migrant entries and end the major abuses of asylum law under President Biden's watch. I was glad to vote for a separate border bill today, but it did not have enough support to become law. We must find a bipartisan compromise because Congress cannot continue to play political games with our security. It is egregious that Biden is not securing our borders under his current executive powers or reinstating policies from the Trump Administration. The bottom line is that we must grapple with the bad actors who are creating the riskiest and most unstable geopolitical moment since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Stopping the march of our enemies is not just a rhetorical exercise; resources are necessary to accomplish this. Funding our national security has real impacts on every American and the Utahns who serve faithfully at Hill Air Force Base in Utah’s First District. These bills keep American citizens safe, keep our servicemembers out of harm's way, and punish the enemies of freedom who are eroding global stability.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=167,Rep. Maloy Introduces Bill to Reauthorize RECA and Support Downwinders,2024-04-19,2024,2024-04,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02) introduced a bill to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) for 2 additional years, with Congressman Burgess Owens as a cosponsor. RECA provides compensation to victims, known as downwinders, who were infected by radiation during the federal government’s aboveground nuclear weapons testing. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is leading the effort in the U.S. Senate with Senator Mitt Romney as a cosponsor (R-UT). “Many Utahns were harmed by the federal government’s aboveground testing of nuclear weapons during the early atomic program, and decades later they, along with their families, are still paying a high price. RECA was created as a way for the federal government to partially compensate Americans who have developed certain cancers and diseases as a result of being downwind from nuclear testing and exposed to radiation. Congress cannot let RECA expire in June. That’s why I’m working with Senator Lee to ensure that downwinders continue to be covered,” said Rep. Maloy. ""When the government harms people, victims should be able to receive compensation. Downwinders and others harmed by the nation's early atomic program often suffer the consequences of exposure decades after the fact. The passage of my RECA extension is a statement saying the United States government is not abandoning these victims and communities,"" said Senator Lee. Background: RECA, originally enacted in 1990, establishes lump sum compensation awards for individuals who contracted diseases while participating in atomic weapons testing or living downwind of atomic testing sites between 1951 and 1992. It also extends benefits to uranium miners, mill workers, and ore transporters who were exposed to radiation while working in the uranium industry between 1942 and 1971. The program has awarded over $2.5 billion in benefits to more than 39,000 claimants. It is scheduled to sunset on June 10th, 2024. This bill will reauthorize RECA and ensure that all Americans impacted by atomic weapons testing are eligible for compensation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/4/lee-introduces-2-year-reca-reauthorization-bill-to-provide-compensation-for-victims-of-atomic-testing,Lee Introduces 2-Year RECA Reauthorization Bill to Provide Compensation for Victims of Atomic Testing,2024-04-18,2024,2024-04,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a bill to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) for an additional two years. This legislation aims to provide needed compensation to individuals who have been adversely affected by atomic weapons testing conducted by the federal government. Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) cosponsored the legislation in the Senate, and Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT) is leading the effort in the House of Representatives. Since its enactment in 1990, RECA has been instrumental in providing support to individuals who participated in atomic weapons testing or lived near test sites during periods of atmospheric testing between 1951 and 1992. The program has also extended benefits to uranium miners, mill workers, and ore transporters who were exposed to radiation while working in the uranium industry between 1942 and 1971. Of the bill, Sen. Lee said, ""When the government harms people, victims should be able to receive compensation. Downwinders and others harmed by the nation's early atomic program often suffer the consequences of exposure decades after the fact. Passing my RECA extension would send a message saying the United States government is not abandoning these victims and communities."" Of the bill, Sen. Romney said, “I’m proud to once again cosponsor an extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, which will allow residents of Utah who were affected by our nation’s early nuclear program to be properly compensated.” Of the bill, Rep. Maloy said, “Many Utahns were harmed by the federal government’s aboveground testing of nuclear weapons during the early atomic program, and decades later they, along with their families, are still paying a high price. RECA was created as a way for the federal government to partially compensate Americans who have developed certain cancers and diseases as a result of being downwind from nuclear testing and exposed to radiation. Congress cannot let RECA expire in June. That’s why I’m working with Senator Lee to ensure that downwinders continue to be covered.” To date, RECA has awarded over $2.4 billion in benefits to more than 38,000 claimants. However, the program is scheduled to sunset on June 10th, 2024, underscoring the urgent need for reauthorization. The proposed bill seeks to ensure that all Americans who live within geographic areas adversely affected by atomic weapons testing are eligible for compensation. It reaffirms the government's commitment to supporting individuals who have suffered the long-term consequences of exposure to ionizing radiation. For a one-pager, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/4/lee-introduces-bill-to-enhance-state-input-on-federal-grazing-land,Lee Introduces Bill to Enhance State Input on Federal Grazing Land,2024-04-18,2024,2024-04,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the State Grazing Management Authority Act, a bill to empower states to manage grazing allotments on federal lands. This legislation seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of rangeland management while fostering collaboration between local stakeholders and government agencies. The State Grazing Management Authority Act proposes to amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to enable the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into cooperative agreements with states to administer allotment management plans on federal lands. These agreements would allow states to manage grazing activities subject to valid existing rights and federal oversight. ""For too long, grazers on federal public lands have faced bureaucratic hurdles and unresponsive management practices,"" said Sen. Lee. ""This bill empowers states to tailor grazing management to local needs and conditions, fostering healthier rangelands and stronger communities."" Under the proposed legislation, states could partner with federal agencies to develop and implement allotment management plans tailored to local conditions. This approach aims to enhance the flexibility and responsiveness of rangeland management, ensuring that grazing practices align with the needs of ranchers and grazers. Key provisions of the State Grazing Management Authority Act include: Cooperative Agreements: States may enter into cooperative agreements with federal agencies to administer grazing allotments on federal lands. NEPA Analysis: Cooperative agreements may assign responsibility for conducting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses to states. Revenue Sharing: Grazing fees collected under authorized allotment management plans would be shared between states and federal agencies. Dispute Resolution: The bill establishes processes for resolving disputes and ensures that parties directly involved in grazing management retain control over decision-making. Monitoring and Accountability: Cooperative agreements would include joint monitoring regimens to track the success of grazing management practices and ensure compliance with established plans.",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moores-statement-his-vote-support-reforming-security-and,Congressman Blake Moore's Statement on His Vote in Support of the Reforming Security and Intelligence Act,2024-04-12,2024,2024-04,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON -- Congressman Blake Moore issued the following statement on his vote in support of the Reforming Security and Intelligence Act: ""Today I voted in favor of the Reforming Security and Intelligence Act (RISA) which contains a vital set of 56 long-overdue reforms to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). I am proud of my colleagues on the Judiciary and Intelligence Committees for hammering out a strong compromise that will protect U.S. national security, prevent the FBI from abusing the program for political purposes, and protect our constitutional rights. I also voted against the Biggs-Jayapal-Nadler amendment to the bill that would establish an unprecedented super warrant requirement for lawfully collected data on foreign nationals under Section 702 of FISA. Congress wrote Section 702 in 2008 to enable U.S. law enforcement to analyze foreign intelligence collection even if the acquisition occurred within the United States (i.e., a terrorist in Iran using a social media server based in Silicon Valley or a text message from a foreign spy network to a U.S. national at home). Ensuring that we retain this capability while also protecting U.S. citizens is an utmost priority of mine. Conservative leaders in the national security space agree: Devin Nunes, Former Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee; Robert O'Brien, President Trump's National Security Advisor; and Mike Pompeo, President Trump's Secretary of State, signed a letter urging the reauthorization of Section 702 back in December. For years, federal courts have ruled that Section 702 collections do not violate the Fourth Amendment or restrict American constitutional rights because they specifically target foreign nationals abroad who are not protected by the U.S. Constitution to begin with. The U.S. government already needs a warrant and probable cause to collect intelligence and investigate a U.S. person's data, and if Section 702 reveals that a foreign terrorist network is communicating with a U.S. citizen by phone and they want to investigate further, a warrant is required for that too. But requiring the FISA court system to authorize a warrant on the front end before law enforcement can use any foreign information collected under Section 702 would be logistically impossible and kneecap our counterterrorism and counternarcotics efforts. FISA court orders would jump from 2,000-3,000 per year to hundreds of thousands per year, and Congress would have to approve an unprecedented number of new intelligence judges at the cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to the American taxpayer. Time is of the essence in these counterterrorism scenarios, and this amendment would be a ticking time bomb of delays and bureaucracy. Consequentially, the amendment would make our intelligence community powerless to address the crisis at our southern border. The U.S. needs the ability to quickly target drug trafficking groups and fentanyl networks in China and Southeast Asia who work hand in hand with the Mexican drug cartels to wreak havoc in our communities. This bill includes timely reforms that enable intelligence experts to go after narcotics groups at the source, rather than waiting until it is too late. The rest of the bill has 56 overdue reforms to Title I of FISA to ensure what happened to the Trump campaign in 2016, in which the FBI improperly manipulated FISA applications to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Courts (FISC) using faulty opposition research, will never happen again. It increases criminal penalties for abusing FISA or leaking FISA applications for political purposes and prevents the FBI from using opposition research to get a FISA order. It mandates an audit for every time a U.S. person gets included in a Title I query by the FBI. The bill also includes major reforms to the FISC that protect U.S. persons, such as requiring FISC to appoint one or more amicus curiae in the annual Section 702 judicial review process and requiring FISC judges to designate an attorney to scrutinize an application for a probable cause order in the event a U.S. person is involved. And it slashes the total amount of FBI personnel allowed to make Section 702 approvals by over 90%, including a full ban on political appointees. Reforming and reauthorizing FISA is critical to stopping the multitude of threats against the United States originating overseas. Hacking networks, spy services, terrorist groups, and drug traffickers all require an agile response system. The modern strategic threats coming from China, Russia, and Iran do as well. My vote was taken in consideration of these challenges as well as with a strong desire to ensure it protects American liberties. This bill does both."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=153,Rep. Celeste Maloy Votes in Favor of Bill to Reform FISA,2024-04-12,2024,2024-04,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7888 - Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act. After the vote, Congresswoman Celeste Maloy issued the following statement: “The federal government shouldn’t have any more authority to spy on American citizens,” said Rep. Maloy. “Today, I voted in support of a FISA reform bill that includes increased civil and criminal penalties for violating Americans’ fourth amendment rights. Holding agents accountable for abusing Americans is a top priority for me. I am disappointed that certain amendments didn’t make it into the final bill, but I’ll work with my Senate colleagues to secure even more safeguards.” Representative Celeste Maloy voted in favor of an amendment that would have prohibited warrantless searches of American citizens. Due to a tied vote, the amendment failed to make it into the final bill.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=145,Reps. Maloy and Krishnamoorthi Lead Bipartisan Caucus to End the Youth Vaping Epidemic in Urging DOJ To Crack Down on Illegal Vaping Products,2024-04-11,2024,2024-04,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) led 10 other members of the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus to End the Youth Vaping Epidemic in a letter to the Department of Justice urging greater enforcement in prosecuting illegal flavored vaping products not authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) while requesting an update on the scale of enforcement activities on vapes. “FDA, to date, has not authorized a flavored vaping product. Yet unauthorized vaping products, the majority of which come from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), have flooded the market and continue to contribute significantly to underage vaping rates,” the Members wrote. “According to the latest data available, among young people who reported e-cigarette use, more than one in four used e-cigarettes daily in 2023, and over a third reported using e-cigarettes at least 20 days in a month. Flavors attract kids to tobacco products and nine out of ten youth e-cigarette users preferred flavored e-cigarettes, with 56 percent of users using the most popular reported brand, Elf Bar, which has not been authorized by FDA.” To assess the scale of enforcement activities and better understand the Department of Justice’s approach to enforcement, the Members requested responses to the following questions by May 30, 2024: (1) How many vapor or vapor-related cases has the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) referred to DOJ? How many vapor or vapor-related cases have the DOJ investigated or prosecuted in the last three years? How many, if any, such referrals are currently pending with the DOJ? (2) What is the referral or investigation process from the FDA to the DOJ? Has DOJ provided FDA with guidance regarding the type(s) of vapor cases that are appropriate for referral to DOJ? Separate from referrals from the FDA, has the DOJ initiated any investigations relating to vapor, or vapor-related products during the last three years? (3) What is the DOJ’s internal review process or procedure once a referral has been received from the FDA? What factors are considered in declining or proceeding with a vapor, or vapor-related case? For each referral, please indicate whether DOJ took action and the amount of time that occurred between the referral and DOJ taking action. (4) Is there a unit within the DOJ focusing on prosecuting vapor or vapor-related crimes? Would such a unit be helpful? Does the DOJ have sufficient resources or expertise to litigate vapor-related referrals from the FDA? (5) Does the DOJ have plans to initiate further civil or criminal proceedings for egregious violations by manufacturers, wholesalers, or distributors, including injunctions and criminal prosecution? What constraints or obstacles prevent the DOJ from taking action?",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/4/senate-republicans-host-press-conference-on-sec-mayorkas-impeachment-trial,Senate Republicans Host Press Conference on Sec. Mayorkas Impeachment Trial,2024-04-09,2024,2024-04,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, the House of Representatives is set to deliver its Articles of Impeachment for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate. In anticipation of these articles, Senate Republicans will be hosting a press conference to discuss the importance of holding Secretary Mayorkas accountable and conducting a full impeachment trial in the Senate. WHAT: Press Conference on DHS Sec. Mayorkas Impeachment Trial. WHO: U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and more. WHEN: Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 1:30 PM MT / 3:30 PM ET",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:47:55Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=123,"Maloy, Peltola, Curtis, Moore, Fulcher, Lee, Costa Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Clean Up Abandoned Hardrock Mines",2024-03-22,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and Mary Peltola (D-AK) alongside Reps. John Curtis (R-UT), Blake Moore (R-UT), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), Susie Lee (D-NV), and Jim Costa (D-CA) reintroduced the bipartisan Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act. This legislation would make it easier for “Good Samaritans,” including state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and other groups, to clean up and improve water quality in and around abandoned hardrock mines. “Utah’s mining industry has made vital contributions to the national production of critical minerals like uranium and copper,"" said Rep. Maloy. “This commonsense piece of legislation would allow states and private organizations to clean up abandoned mines without being held liable by the EPA, and that will allow Utah to continue to thrive.” “Today, hardrock mines are well regulated, and new projects are subject to strict safety and environmental protection rules. That was not always the case, however; hundreds of thousands of abandoned mines that no longer have anyone responsible for cleaning up and remediating the land dot the country. This bill would give Good Samaritans a path to help clean up abandoned mines that threaten our communities and our environment,” said Rep. Peltola. “In Utah and across the West, we're surrounded by the legacy of our pioneering mining industry, but with that comes the responsibility to address what is left behind at mine sites,” said Rep. Curtis. “The Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act represents a critical step forward, empowering those who are ready and willing to help clean up these sites without the fear of undue legal repercussions.” “Utah and America’s western region at large have a proud history of providing vital resources to support our evolving mineral needs. Unfortunately, we still have work to do to clean abandoned mines from decades ago when we did not have the same rigorous environmental standards we have today. Thankfully, many organizations want to be part of abandoned mine remediation efforts, and this bill will make it easier for these “Good Samaritans” to participate in the cleanup of abandoned mine sites. I’m proud to work with Representative Maloy and my colleagues on commonsense bills like this to encourage state agencies, local governments, and organizations to get involved in making a positive difference,” said Rep. Moore. ""I am proud to join my colleagues in co-sponsoring this legislation that will make it easier for state agencies, local governments, and Good Samaritan groups to clean up abandoned hardrock mines around Idaho,"" Rep. Fulcher said. ""This bipartisan effort will take a much-needed step forward to improve communities and water quality across the state."" “Abandoned hardrock mines can be found across the iconic terrain of the American West — including in my district, home to some of the oldest mine lands in Nevada. These hazards are pervasive and perilous, posing an ongoing threat to people and the environment alike. ‘Good Samaritan’ partners stand ready to work with the federal government to clean up these sites, and I’m proud to help introduce bipartisan legislation that will cut through the red tape currently preventing them from doing so,” said Rep. Lee. “This bipartisan, commonsense bill will mean cleaner waters and safer landscapes for our communities. That’s a win for Nevada families and our natural resources.” “For decades, abandoned hardrock mines have polluted public lands, waterways, and watersheds along the Central Valley. These mines put communities at a high risk of exposure to substances that are hazardous to their long-term health. Our bill empowers Good Samaritans to safely remediate our public lands, create new jobs, and ensure clean drinking water for local communities,” said Rep. Costa. “Today’s bipartisan Good Samaritan introduction is an encouraging sign that the mining industry, environmental organizations, and local communities can unite behind commonsense legislation to tackle the long-overdue cleanup of legacy abandoned mine sites. This legislation, along with its bipartisan Senate companion, would allow mining companies to utilize their equipment and technical expertise to clean up abandoned sites without fear of incurring additional legal liability. These bills are critical to removing the obstacles that have prevented the remediation of important legacy land and water resources for far too long. We commend Reps. Celeste Maloy and Mary Peltola for their shared vision and leadership to advance the environmental progress we all desire,” said Rich Nolan, President and CEO of the National Mining Association. “There is no constituency for orange, polluted rivers,” said Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited. “More than 40 percent of our western headwater streams—the places trout live and communities get their drinking water—are negatively affected by abandoned hardrock mines. It is gratifying to see more than a bipartisan third of the U.S. Senate sponsored legislation that would accelerate efforts by ‘Good Samaritans’ to clean up historic mine pollution. With today’s introduction of a House ‘Good Sam’ bill, we are closer than ever to advancing common-sense legislation that would help address one of the most pervasive water quality threats in America. We thank Representatives Maloy and Peltola for their leadership, and we look forward to getting this bill across the finish line.” “We thank Congresswoman Maloy and Congresswoman Peltola for their introduction of the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, which would leverage the resources of qualified private entities to clean up abandoned hardrock mine sites, the largest source of pollution on our public lands and waters. By addressing liabilities that have long tied the hands of would-be ‘Good Samaritans’ we can restore degraded watersheds and riparian habitat to enhance opportunities for hunters and anglers,” said Patrick Berry, President and CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Full text of the legislation can be found here. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Jim Risch (R-ID) reintroduced a companion piece of legislation in the Senate. Background: There are over 140,000 remnants of abandoned hardrock mines on federal land with at least 22,500 that pose health and environmental risks. Utah could have between 8,000 and 11,000 abandoned hardrock mines on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands, but a complete inventory has not been conducted.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/3/grounding-the-invasion-lee-s-bill-to-close-the-gate-on-cbp-one-app-use,Grounding the Invasion: Lee's Bill to Close the Gate on CBP One App Use,2024-03-22,2024,2024-03,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), in response to the ongoing invasion at the southern border and the Biden Administration's decision to validate the CBP One Mobile App as an acceptable form of identification for air travel into and across the United States, has introduced the Verifying that all Aliens have Legitimate Identification Documents (VALID) Act. This legislation directly targets the loopholes exploited by illegal immigrants to travel within the U.S. without proper identification. Since the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decided to accept the CBP One Mobile App as a form of identification for air travel into and throughout the United States, there have been over 200,000 migrants entering the U.S. using the app as their sole form of identification, a loophole the VALID Act would permanently close. The Valid Act is cosponsored by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), and John Thune (R-SD). Of the bill, Sen. Lee said, ""Every American needs to show ID to enter our country. So why do we make it simpler for illegal immigrants to come in than for our own people? As our nation grapples with an unprecedented invasion at our southern border, the VALID Act resolves to close the loopholes that have allowed 200,000 illegal immigrants into the country unchecked. The Biden administration's policies have blatantly facilitated this crisis, encouraging illegal immigration and compromising our nation's security."" Of the bill, Sen. Scott said, ""Biden's TSA has made the choice to allow illegal aliens with no verified identification to use the CBP One Mobile App before flying on commercial airlines into U.S. airports. This is unacceptable and dangerous. The Biden administration has intentionally made our country more dangerous with policies that put Americans at great risk and weaken U.S. national security. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to keep Americans safe.” Of the bill, Sen. Marshall said, “Joe Biden's reckless open-border policies have spiraled out of control and created the most immediate national security threat that our country faces, endangering American lives across the country. It is truly inconceivable how, in the face of such a historic attack on our nation's sovereignty, the President of the United States continues to double down, allowing illegal aliens to freely board planes without proper vetting or identification. I am proud to join Senator Lee in addressing the staggering number of migrants exploiting our systems through Joe Biden's CBP One App.” Of the bill, Chad Wolf, former acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and Executive Director of the America First Policy Institute, said, ""Shortly after 9/11 the U.S. Congress, through the REAL ID Act, recognized the importance of establishing certain security standards for identification documents to fly on commercial aircraft. Each presidential administration since 9/11 has worked diligently to bring more security to our skies. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration's policy of allowing illegal aliens to use documents with unverifiable and unvetted information to board commercial aircraft defies common sense and congressional will and makes it easier for illegal aliens to travel than U.S. citizens and legal immigrants. The administration's unlawful use of the CBP One app to mass parole inadmissible aliens into American communities raises both legal and public safety concerns. The VALID Act is an important step in reining in these abuses and ensuring the safety of the American people."" Key provisions of the VALID Act include: Prohibits the TSA from accepting the CBP One Mobile App, a Notice to Appear (NTA), or a Notice to Report (NTR) as valid forms of identification for passing through TSA security checkpoints and boarding planes. Bans aircraft from foreign countries that accept the CBP One Mobile App, an NTA, or an NTR as legal forms of identification from operating in U.S. airspace.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=122,Rep. Maloy to Award Congressional Gold Medal to Ghost Army Veterans,2024-03-21,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02), alongside Speaker Mike Johnson and colleagues in the House and Senate, will present the Congressional Gold Medal to the Ghost Army during a ceremony held at Emancipation Hall. “The Ghost Army’s bravery and creativity saved countless lives during World War II. I’m proud to have worked on legislation with my former boss, former congressman Chris Stewart, to recognize them with the highest honor Congress can bestow. And I’m honored to be able to present them with this long overdue award,” said Rep. Maloy. “I want to thank Representative Maloy, who has been steadfast in her support of the Ghost Army Gold Medal effort. Five Utah veterans served in the unit, including Stanley Nance, who appeared in the documentary - and I am sure their families are deeply grateful for her unstinting efforts,” said Rick Beyer, president of the Ghost Army Legacy Project. The ceremony will take place today, March 21, at 11:00 AM ET inside Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. On February 6, 2024, the House passed a resolution sponsored by Reps. Maloy and Annie Kuster (D-NH) authorizing the award ceremony to take place inside Emancipation Hall, ensuring that Congress recognized the heroic service of these World War II veterans and the many that died before receiving proper recognition. Background: The Ghost Army was a top-secret unit during World War II employed to fool Nazi Germany and its Axis of Evil as to the strength and location of American troops. They staged over 20 operations using deceptive tactics like inflatable tanks, impersonations, fake radio transmissions, and other sound effects. They even created false headquarters staffed by fake generals. The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops is credited with saving an estimated 30,000 American lives. However, they were not made known to the public until 1996 when their missions were declassified. Five veterans from Utah served in the unit including Stanley Nance who passed away in 2021 at the age of 103. Staff Sargeant Nance led a squad of radio deceivers during World War II and sent 28 deceptive radio messages as part of an operation to assist General Patton’s relief of Bastogne. There are seven surviving members of the Ghost Army including: James “Tom” Anderson, Dover, DE Bernard Bluestein, Hoffman Estates, IL John Christman, Leesburg, NJ George Dramis, Raleigh, NC William Nall, Dunnellon, FL Seymour Nussenbaum, Monroe Township, NJ John Smith, Woodland, MI In 2022, Congress passed legislation sponsored by former Congressman Chris Stewart to honor the top-secret unit with the Congressional Gold Medal.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/3/lee-coons-introduce-bipartisan-ndo-fairness-act,"LEE, COONS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN NDO FAIRNESS ACT",2024-03-21,2024,2024-03,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the bipartisan NDO Fairness Act, legislation to safeguard American citizens' privacy and constitutional rights in the digital era. In recent years, the use of Non-Disclosure Orders (NDOs), commonly referred to as gag or secrecy orders has surged, particularly in cases involving electronic data like emails, texts, and personal online information. These orders prevent service providers from informing individuals that law enforcement has accessed their data. The NDO Fairness Act would address these concerns by requiring the government to adhere to established legal and constitutional standards before obtaining secrecy orders for electronic searches. This move aims to align the criteria for electronic data searches more closely with those for physical searches, where the government generally must notify individuals unless a higher standard to delay such notice is met. ""The Fourth Amendment protects our right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, including the search of our private electronic communications,” said Sen. Lee. “Americans deserve to know when the government surveils these communications. This bill strikes the right balance between protecting Americans' privacy and providing needed transparency while allowing judges to grant nondisclosure orders when necessary to protect others from harm or preserve an ongoing investigation."" “The Fourth Amendment protects Americans from unreasonable searches and seizures, but individuals can only assert their rights if they are aware that their electronic records have been collected,” said Sen. Coons. “The current bar for granting non-disclosure orders is too low, and government requests for secrecy are often granted even when they’re not justified by the facts on the ground. The NDO Fairness Act will ensure that NDOs are only issued in circumstances requiring secrecy and will better protect the rights of Americans.” Key Components of the NDO Fairness Act: The Act mandates meaningful judicial review to ensure that NDOs meet constitutional standards. Courts will be required to issue written findings justifying the lawfulness of NDO requests and to limit their duration to 90 days, with possible renewals if necessary. By enforcing stricter criteria for the issuance of NDOs, the Act protects fundamental rights and ensures that secrecy orders are only granted when truly necessary. The Act introduces a time-limited duration for NDOs, with a standard period of 90 days, mirroring the process for physical search warrants. Special provisions apply for cases involving severe offenses, such as child exploitation, where orders are limited to one year. Service providers will have the right to challenge unlawful NDOs, enhancing the protection of Americans' data from government overreach.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=113,Congresswoman Maloy Announces Passport Fair at Utah Tech in Coordination with State Department,2024-03-15,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02), in coordination with the Department of State, announced a “Passport Fair” at Utah Tech University. Utahns in need of a passport, or whose passports have expired or will expire in the next year, may register for an appointment on March 27 at Utah Tech University. Expedited processing will be available. Details can be found below. “For Utahns preparing for summer vacation, worldwide religious missions, and international business trips, obtaining expedited passport services is a top priority. Unfortunately, the nearest passport agency is in another state. With that in mind, I am pleased to partner with the State Department to host a passport fair which will provide people in southern Utah the opportunity to access those services without traveling long distances,” said Rep. Maloy. Details: Wednesday, March 27 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Utah Tech University, Gardner Student Center Ballroom 225 South University Avenue, St. George, UT 84770 **All appointments have been filled. If you would like help with passports, please reach out to my District Office at (801) 364-5550. When attending your appointment, please park in Lot M. Click HERE for a map. To apply for a passport (or to renew a passport), you must bring to your appointment: A completed passport application for each applicant Forms can be filled out and printed from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html - For Minors Under 16 – Personal appearance of the Minor and Parental Consent required. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/under-16.html - Minors Aged 16 and 17 must appear in person. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/16-17.html Evidence of U.S. Citizenship A recent passport photo – 2” x 2” (NO GLASSES in Passport Photos) Valid photo identification and a clear, single-sided copy of the front and back of the ID Payment of passport fees (check or money order) Primary Application Forms for a U.S. Passport: Use the State Department’s Form Filler to enter your information online and print off a paper form with a special barcode. Processing Times:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/3/lee-introduces-bill-to-empower-local-authorities-in-managing-native-wildlife,Lee Introduces Bill to Empower Local Authorities in Managing Native Wildlife,2024-03-15,2024,2024-03,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) reintroduced the Native Species Protection Act, which empowers states with the authority to manage wildlife species found entirely within their borders, without federal interference. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK). “It's time to pivot from the one-size-fits-all approach of the Endangered Species Act,”said Sen. Lee. “We need a better approach to protect endangered and threatened species, and the Native Species Protection Act proposes a solution where conservation is local, sensible, and leaps beyond the inefficiencies plaguing the ESA.” The Native Species Protection Act amends the current scope of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), by specifying that noncommercial species that do not cross state lines are to be considered intrastate species. Consequently, these species would not fall under the regulatory purview of the ESA, allowing state and local authorities to take the lead in conservation efforts. For a one-pager, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/3/lee-reintroduces-davis-bacon-repeal-act,Lee Reintroduces Davis-Bacon Repeal Act,2024-03-15,2024,2024-03,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) reintroduced the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act, legislation to eliminate the wage subsidy law that mandates federally funded construction projects worth more than $2,000 pay workers the ""prevailing wage"" rate applicable in the same locality for non-federal projects. This act imposes undue burdens on the economy, disadvantages unskilled labor, and unfairly benefits organized labor at taxpayers' expense. The bill is cosponsored by Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Rick Scott (R-FL). ""The Davis-Bacon Act is a glaring example of how excessive government regulation is detrimental to our economy, favoring special interest groups over the broader public interest and limiting opportunities for workers,"" said Sen. Lee. ""By repealing this act, we aim to remove these artificial barriers to economic growth, alleviate the pressure on federal project costs, and ensure taxpayer dollars are utilized more efficiently."" The act's prevailing wage rates are, on average, 22% higher than market wages, leading to inflated costs for federally funded construction projects, increased administrative workload, and oversight of the varied skill levels required for different construction jobs. The CBO estimates savings of $10.7 billion over ten years, while the Heritage Foundation suggests that repeal could have saved taxpayers $10.9 billion in 2010 alone, potentially employing 155,000 more workers in construction-related fields without additional cost to taxpayers. For a one pager, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-house-budget-committees-fy25-budget-resolution-works-better-hardworking,ICYMI: House Budget Committee’s FY25 Budget Resolution Works Better for Hardworking Americans than President Biden’s Runaway Spending Plan,2024-03-14,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"A week after the House Budget Committee passed its Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Resolution, President Biden released his budget full of tax hikes, inflationary spending, and steep deficits. Congressman Blake Moore (R-Utah) issued the following statement on the President’s budget and the need to implement responsible spending reforms outlined in the Budget Committee’s plan: “Our nation’s federal debt and deficit are a crisis, and President Biden’s budget falls far short of addressing the many pressing challenges caused by runaway spending. The President’s budget proposal would add $18.2 trillion to our national debt over the next 10 years, allowing the debt to reach a staggering $52.7 trillion by 2034. It would impose the largest tax increase in history with $4.9 trillion in new taxes, spend an unprecedented $86.6 trillion over ten years, grow the gross federal debt by 25% more than the economy, and more. Higher taxes and inflated prices are the least of what hardworking American families need right now. My top priority since coming to Congress is to fix Washington’s spending addiction and counter policies like President Biden’s that worsen our economic outlook. Republicans on the House Budget Committee have taken meaningful steps to do just this, and we proudly passed our Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2025. In contrast to the President’s budget, our budget proposes no new taxes, grows the economy over three times faster than the debt, balances the budget in 10 years, and spends $15.1 trillion less than the President’s budget over 10 years. This creates a path to reducing spending and deficits, bolstering economic growth, and bringing fiscal responsibility back to Washington. I am grateful for the hard work that went into building this framework that should serve as a model for federal budgeting going forward.” Read more about the contrast between the Budget Committee’s Budget Resolution and President Biden’s budget here, here, and here. Watch Congressman Moore’s committee remarks here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/3/lee-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-to-accelerate-adoption-of-geothermal-energy,Lee Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Accelerate Adoption of Geothermal Energy,2024-03-14,2024,2024-03,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) along with Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), James Risch (R-ID), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), all members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced the Geothermal Energy Optimization (GEO) Act to accelerate the adoption of geothermal energy nationwide. Next-generation geothermal technologies offer several unique advantages that distinguish it from other forms of clean energy — including its potential to complement intermittent energy like wind and solar, its ability to be deployed beyond hot and temperate regions, its versatility to match local demand, and capacity to create new pathways to high-paying quality jobs. Geothermal heat can be used for industrial processes, mineral production, as well as aquaculture and agricultural applications, energy storage, and hydrogen production. It is especially suitable for energy-intensive direct air capture (DAC) facilities and data centers. “By introducing this bill, we aim to break down the bureaucratic barriers that have stifled innovation and investment in geothermal technology for far too long,” said Lee. “Our legislation will streamline the permitting process, making geothermal energy a more feasible option for supplying baseload power to communities across the United States, including Utah, which stands on the brink of becoming a leader in geothermal innovation. Through this bipartisan effort, we are preparing for a future where geothermal power plays a key role in our energy strategy” “With a highly skilled workforce already trained in the technologies of this emerging industry, New Mexico is ready to lead the nation in the deployment of geothermal energy,”said Heinrich. “By breaking down barriers that are preventing companies from fully harnessing the power of geothermal energy, my bipartisan GEO Act builds on the successful efforts our state has advanced to unlock this new, carbon emission-free energy source. This is how we will accelerate our clean energy future, grow our economy, lower costs for working Americans, and create more high-quality jobs that New Mexicans can build their families around.” ""Idaho has long utilized the abundant natural geothermal resources just below its surface. With breakthrough technologies underway, there is great potential to scale up production of this clean, reliable energy. The GEO Act will streamline leasing and permitting processes, allowing the responsible and efficient development of traditional and enhanced geothermal resources on our public lands,” said Risch. “Nevada is primed to continue to grow our geothermal energy sector, which will play an essential role in our clean energy future,”said Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan legislation will make it easier for companies to explore and invest in geothermal projects that power our communities while lowering energy costs for Nevada families.” The GEO Act would put geothermal projects on an equal footing with oil and gas projects on public land, and direct the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service to develop a streamlined process for geothermal observation well permits on public land. The bill also creates a Geothermal Ombudsman and Strike Team to provide additional resources for field offices. Additionally, it sets new geothermal lease targets on federal lands and requires the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service to hold auctions more frequently than every two years. “In 2005, the U.S. was in an energy crisis and rightly granted oil and gas a categorical exclusion to produce more energy to meet demand. We may be approaching a new crisis if we don’t start producing more clean power to meet energy demand, and this bill helps achieve parity for 24/7, renewable geothermal,” said Rich Powell, CEO of ClearPath Action. ""The GEO Act will streamline the permitting process, expand development leasing, and provide much needed resources to get more geothermal power onto the grid.” ""Next-generation geothermal energy is available today to provide 24/7 clean and reliable electricity all over the West, creating jobs in rural communities and enhancing American energy security. We commend the leadership of Senators Heinrich, Risch, Lee, and Cortez-Masto in developing the GEO Act to make it easier to deploy this critical technology at the speed we need to support a thriving economy and stave off the worst impacts of the climate crisis,”said Sarah Jewett, VP of Strategy, Fervo Energy. “We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Heinrich, Risch, Lee and Cortez Masto in introducing this critical legislation,” said Jeanine Vany, Eavor Co-founder and Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “The Geothermal Energy Optimization Act of 2024 streamlines the permitting process and will advance geothermal energy development on federal lands. As we look towards the energy systems of the future, Eavor’s technology provides carbon-free, sustainable energy development that aids in the decarbonization of heating and electricity. We also create high-paying jobs and provide grid hardening capabilities – all while using minimal water and land. This legislation will help advance geothermal projects like Eavor’s to become a reality more quickly across the United States.” A one-page bill summary is HERE. The text of the bill is HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/3/sens-lee-and-cruz-lead-senate-republicans-in-challenging-fcc-s-unlawful-digital-equity-rules,Sens. Lee and Cruz Lead Senate Republicans in Challenging FCC’s Unlawful ‘Digital Equity’ Rules,2024-03-14,2024,2024-03,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) led a group of 19 senators in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to nullify the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) so-called “Digital Discrimination” order. The order, which the FCC voted to finalize in November, gives the federal government control over nearly every aspect of the broadband industry while exposing companies to expansive, indeterminate, and crippling liability under a “disparate impact” standard. The FCC’s order, which ignores the plain language of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will harm broadband investment and undermine the goal of promoting high-speed internet access for all Americans. “The FCC’s heavy-handed 'Digital Discrimination' rule is a solution in search of a problem,” said Sen. Lee. “It’s a broad overreach that threatens to entangle the internet in red tape, jeopardizing the very innovation that has made it a cornerstone of modern life. This resolution is our stand against Biden's attempt to regulate the internet into oblivion, ensuring the internet remains a dynamic and competitive marketplace for ideas, not a utility subject to government whims.” “Despite admitting there’s ‘little to no evidence’ of discrimination by broadband companies, the Biden administration has plowed ahead with government-mandated affirmative action and race-based pricing for broadband,”said Sen. Cruz. “The only beneficiaries of the FCC’s Orwellian ‘equity’ plan are overzealous government regulators who want to control the internet. This resolution will roll back FCC Democrats’ unlawful power grab.” Under the FCC’s new order, nearly every aspect of the internet—including a broadband provider’s deployment decisions, network reliability, network maintenance, equipment, pricing, promotional discounts, customer service, language options, credit checks, marketing and advertising, and more—will be subject to potential FCC enforcement actions, including multi-million-dollar forfeitures and injunctive orders, under a disparate impact standard. Back in November, Sen. Lee joined a group of 28 senators in calling on the FCC to rescind its draft order. Co-sponsors of the joint resolution of disapproval include: Sens. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.). Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-Ga.) and Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) have introduced companion legislation in the House. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=107,Congresswoman Maloy Reintroduces the Daylight Act,2024-03-11,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Celeste Maloy (UT-02) reintroduced the Daylight Act, legislation that would allow states to observe Daylight Saving Time year-round. “Americans are tired of springing forward and losing sleep and falling back and losing sunlight. Dozens of states, including Utah, have already passed laws to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. The federal government needs to get out of the way and allow them to make that choice instead of mandating the needless practice of changing our clocks twice a year,” said Rep. Maloy. Full text of the legislation can be found here. Background: In 2020, Utah passed a law that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent. However, the law cannot go into effect until Congress changes the federal statute. 18 other states have passed similar laws. A variety of studies show that extending Daylight Saving Time would improve everything from our health and wellbeing to the economy. Some of the benefits include:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moores-statement-president-bidens-2024-state-union-address,Congressman Blake Moore's Statement on President Biden's 2024 State of the Union Address,2024-03-07,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— U.S. Congressman Blake Moore (R-Utah) released the following statement after President Joe Biden’s 2024 State of the Union address: “I was expecting President Biden to use tonight’s State of the Union address to find common ground and inspire a shared vision for America. Instead, the President delivered a divisive campaign speech. If we want to find real solutions to our nation’s most pressing challenges, we must come together. I agreed with President Biden’s comments about supporting our servicemembers, finding a solution on Ukraine aid, and bolstering our workforce—issues that both sides of the aisle can agree need to be addressed. However, I am disappointed President Biden tried to blame Congressional Republicans for his border crisis. The American people know better. It’s to be expected in an election year, but this crisis is his own making, and he must do better. Rather than wasting time with convenient political posturing, President Biden could and should reinstate the many effective, data-driven border policies from the Trump-Pence Administration and end the most catastrophic border crisis our nation has ever seen. We know that provisions such as “Remain in Mexico” migrant protection protocols for processing asylum claims, Title 42 authority, and ending catch-and-release work. Recognizing the threat this crisis has created for our national security and the safety of our communities, House Republicans swiftly passed H.R. 2, the strongest border security bill in our history, to strengthen our southern border with new technologies, increase the number of Border Patrol agents and provide bonus pay, restart construction of the border wall, end catch-and-release, and require transparency from the Department of Homeland Security. House Republicans have done our part to pass meaningful legislation to secure our border and prevent tragedies like Laken Riley’s murder at the University of Georgia, and it is past time for President Biden to use his position to reverse this crisis, strengthen our national security, and keep our neighborhoods safe.? On the foreign aid front, above all else, our focus must be on safely returning the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. They must be reunited with their families as soon as possible. I am glad the administration has worked with Israel to develop stronger aid corridors for innocent civilians while Israel continues to fight to defeat Hamas. However, we cannot forget that other regional players have a responsibility to step up as well. Last week, I led a bipartisan letter to Secretary Blinken outlining the major logistical issues within Egypt that are hurting faith-based and humanitarian groups on the ground and preventing them from getting aid into Rafah. It is incumbent on Egypt and regional players to assist in this critical situation, not solely the US. ? Though we live in a time of divided government and hyper partisanship, I remain confident that we can come together to build meaningful solutions to the many challenges we face. I am also working with my colleagues on the House Ways and Means and Budget committees to reform our broken federal budgeting process, reverse our crippling national debt and deficits, and craft pro-family tax policies that allow Americans to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. At this critical moment in history, I will do all I can to ensure America remains the greatest nation in the world and leave behind a positive legacy for the next generation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=102,"Maloy, Estes, Lamborn, Fulcher, and Biggs Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Private Water Rights",2024-03-06,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Representatives Celeste Maloy (UT-02), Ron Estes (KS-04), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), and Andy Biggs (AZ-05) have reintroduced the Water Rights Protection Act to prevent the federal government from seizing privately owned waters. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced a companion piece of legislation in the Senate. “According to the Utah Constitution, the water in the state belongs to the people of Utah. Unfortunately, federal agencies have a long history of undermining our water laws by requiring co-ownership of water rights as a condition for permit agreements on federal lands. I’m proud to lead my colleagues in sponsoring this bill which clarifies that states have the power to allocate water rights, and the federal government can’t infringe on that ability,” said Rep. Maloy. “Kansas ranchers and farmers depend on the Sunflower State’s rivers and waterways and know how to steward them appropriately. The Water Rights Protection Act is an important step to ensure control of water rights stays in the states, blocking D.C. bureaucrats from the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior from seizing those privately held rights,” said Rep. Ron Estes. “I'm pleased to join my colleagues in re-introducing the Water Rights Protection Act. This bill protects ranchers, farmers, and tribes from having their water unlawfully seized by the federal government. As Vice Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, I am committed to keeping the Biden administration in check and preventing government overreach of individual Americans’ rights. What Colorado does with its water is up to the state itself - not the unelected bureaucrats within this Administration,"" said Rep. Lamborn. “With over 61% of Idaho designated as federal land, individuals live in constant fear they could lose access to the water their family has utilized for generations,"" said Rep. Fulcher. ""I am proud to co-sponsor the Water Rights Protection Act to further recognize state water laws and bring peace of mind to farmers and ranchers across the state.” “Water is one of our most precious resources. This legislation is a good step to protect state water rights in the West. The federal government should be adhering to the Constitution’s Compact Clause while encouraging states to prioritize water storage,” said Rep. Biggs. The bill would: Forbid the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture from mandating water users transfer water rights to the United States or purchase water rights in the name of the United States as a condition of any permit, lease, or other use agreement. Prevent unlawful seizures of groundwater. Recognize state water law and require coordination with states.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=103,Rep. Maloy’s Statement on the First House Spending Package for FY24,2024-03-06,2024,2024-03,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY24. Congresswoman Celeste Maloy voted in favor of this spending package. Following the vote, she released this statement: “I voted for the first package of spending bills, because I think it’s a good step toward a better budgeting process. This is not a 7,000-page omnibus package negotiated behind closed doors that no one has ever read. Members were involved as these bills went through committee hearings and the amendment process over the last year. I hope that we can ultimately return to regular order where we vote on each spending bill separately. But for now, it’s time to pass the next package of spending bills and start working on the budget for fiscal year 2025.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:32:04Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-blake-moores-statement-continuing-resolution-vote-avoid-partial,Congressman Blake Moore's Statement on the Continuing Resolution Vote to Avoid a Partial Government Shutdown,2024-02-29,2024,2024-02,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"“For months, Speaker Johnson has been negotiating an appropriations agreement that will reduce year over year spending for the first time in over a decade, and we are set to vote on the first package of these bills next week. For years, Speaker Pelosi jammed members of Congress with giant omnibuses without any time to read them. Speaker Johnson is bucking that process and adhering to the 72-hour rule that will give all members enough time to actually review the bills—a major, welcomed change. Over the past week, I have hosted several town halls throughout my district and heard from constituents on just how difficult a government shutdown would be for their livelihoods. The First District is home to 40,000 federal workers, uniformed personnel, and military dependents who rely on federal paychecks for their work and service. While this appropriations cycle has been frustrating, I look forward to lowering our federal spending for the first time in recent history and ensuring our service members receive their paychecks.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=95,House Passes WOSB Integrity Act to Ensure Women Small Business Owners Have Fair Access to Federal Contracts,2024-02-29,2024,2024-02,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives passed The WOSB Integrity Act of 2024 introduced by Representatives Celeste Maloy (R-UT) and Hillary Scholten (D-MI). This bipartisan bill would ensure federal contracting dollars intended for women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) are awarded to those firms that meet the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) small business size standards. “This piece of legislation is not about adding red tape or about the government picking winners and losers. The WOSB Integrity Act will simply ensure that competition for government contracting opportunities includes women small business owners and is fair. These entrepreneurs drive our economy forward, and when we support them, innovation thrives and the country prospers,” said Rep. Maloy “We all know that there are immense challenges that come with being an entrepreneur, and we also know that those challenges are exponentially greater for women entrepreneurs– especially when it comes to accessing resources to help open or sustain a business,” said Rep. Scholten. “Our bipartisan bill will be critical to breaking down barriers that prevent women-owned businesses from competing for contracts in the federal marketplace, and I want to thank my colleagues for coming together in this important effort. Now it’s time for the Senate to pass this bill and send it to President Biden’s desk for signature.” ""The WOSB Integrity Act of 2024 would help numerous women business owners across the country. With the increased transparency of the WOSB contracting program, more women-owned small businesses can benefit from federal contracts and without any extra burden placed upon them,"" said Ann Marie Wallace, state director for the Women’s Business Center of Utah. Background: The WOSB federal contracting program has become susceptible to abuse and fraud due to a self-certification loophole. Since women-owned small businesses do not have to verify that they are both women-owned and small, large companies are able to self-certify as small businesses to take advantage of the program. Additionally, the federal government has a goal of awarding 5% of federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year. However, it has only met that goal twice since it was established over 20 years ago. The WOSB Integrity Act of 2024 would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) and third-party, certifying entities to take reasonable action to verify that women-owned small businesses meet the SBA’s small business size standards for receiving federal contracts.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=96,Rep. Maloy Statement on Today’s Continuing Resolution,2024-02-29,2024,2024-02,Republican,House,UT,Celeste Maloy,M001228,maloy.house.gov,maloy,https://maloy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Representative Celeste Maloy voted against continuing resolution H.R. 7463 – Extension of Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2024. She released the following statement after the vote: “It's past time for us to vote on spending bills for fiscal year 2024, which is nearly halfway over. The last time Congress passed a budget was when Nancy Pelosi was Speaker of the House. Passing another continuing resolution only keeps old Democratic policies in place and does nothing for the American people who are struggling under the weight of inflation fueled by wasteful government spending under the last budget. Another CR also hurts our national security and military readiness. Our defense budget is already insufficient, and in the dangerous world we live in, we can't afford to fall any further behind in our competition with China.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-moore-introduces-legislation-enhance-work-supports-tanf-recipients,Congressman Moore Introduces Legislation to Enhance Work Supports for TANF Recipients,2024-02-27,2024,2024-02,Republican,House,UT,Blake D. Moore,M001213,blakemoore.house.gov,blakemoore,https://blakemoore.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— U.S. Congressman Blake Moore (R-Utah) introduced legislation to enhance work supports for Americans receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The Restoring Temporary to TANF Act would require that states set aside 25% of federal TANF dollars to spend on core work activities, including: work supports, education and training, apprenticeships, non-recurrent short-term benefits, work activities, and case management for TANF individual responsibility plans. TANF grant requirements would only apply to federal dollars and leave state funds to the discretion of each state. “Once again, Utah is a model for how we responsibly spend our federal funding allocations,” said Congressman Blake Moore. “Utah’s current prioritization of work supports has allowed our state to make significant investments with federal TANF dollars and empower families to find independence and thrive. The Restoring Temporary to TANF Act is a step in the right direction to restore economic freedom, strengthen our economy, and get Americans back to work.” Background: The TANF block grant program was intended to provide temporary aid for single parent households, promote independence through work, job preparation, and training, and encourage two-parent households. However, instead of promoting financial independence through work, program dollars have been allocated via direct checks without adequate support and workforce training that would allow families to no longer rely on TANF. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z https://www.lee.senate.gov/2024/2/lee-durbin-introduce-bipartisan-inspector-general-access-act,"LEE, DURBIN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN INSPECTOR GENERAL ACCESS ACT",2024-02-27,2024,2024-02,Republican,Senate,UT,Mike Lee,L000577,www.lee.senate.gov,mikelee,https://www.lee.senate.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation to expand the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General to include alleged DOJ attorney misconduct. Currently, the DOJ Inspector General (IG) has no authority to investigate professional misconduct by DOJ lawyers. DOJ is the only agency whose IG has such a jurisdictional carve-out. TheInspector General Access Act would simply strike this loophole, which leads to an unfair double standard where every DOJ employee—including FBI and DEA agents, U.S. Marshals, and federal prison guards—can be investigated by the DOJ IG except DOJ lawyers. “The current IG oversight exemption for DOJ attorneys is nonsensical and undermines accountability in our justice system,"" said Sen. Lee. ""Our simple bill changes that, ensuring DOJ attorneys are no longer off-limits for IG investigations. I'm proud to partner with Senator Durbin on this common-sense bipartisan effort.” “This is a simple, bipartisan bill that would close a glaring loophole in the law,” said Sen. Durbin. “This is not a partisan issue. We should all agree that whoever the Attorney General is, he or she should be subject to independent oversight. I’m thankful to Senator Lee for his leadership and partnership on this important bill.” The Inspector General Access Act solves the problem that has long prevented independent oversight of DOJ prosecutors by simply striking the jurisdictional carve out in Section 413 of Title 5, United States Code. As a result, DOJ’s Inspector General would be fully empowered to investigate allegations of misconduct against Department lawyers. In addition to enhancing oversight and public accountability at DOJ, this simple, common sense reform will bring DOJ in line with the practices in other federal agencies where allegations of attorney professional misconduct are already subject to investigation by Inspectors General. Along with Durbin and Lee, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T20:21:00Z