Press Releases
Sens. Lee, Sanders, and Murphy Introduce Yemen War Powers Resolution
Feb 28, 2018
WASHINGTON - Sens. Mike Lee (R-UT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) introduced a joint resolution pursuant to the War Powers Act Wednesday, calling for the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen.
"Over the past century, Congress's power to declare war has been willfully eroded," Sen. Lee said. "Successive presidents have claimed that power-and the politicians in Congress have been only too happy to give it away, in order to avoid tough votes. This resolution is a first step toward Congress re-asserting its power over foreign policy decision-making. Congress can authorize-or decline to authorize-military engagements and define U.S. national interests."
Sen. Lee Hails Vought Confirmation as Win for Religious Liberty
Feb 28, 2018
Article VI of the United States Constitution is clear: 'No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.' But that is exactly what some of my colleagues tried to do today.
Sen. Lee Statement on Passing of Jon Huntsman Sr.
Feb 2, 2018
From humble beginnings to hard-earned professional success, Jon Huntsman Sr. exemplified the American Dream. He touched thousands through his philanthropic work, including founding Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute, and consistently looked for ways to serve his fellow man. He was a great American, and his legacy will be felt for years to come. My heart goes out to his family at home and abroad.
Sen. Lee Questions International Court Attack on State Sovereignty
Jan 17, 2018
“Given that the United States is the predominant funder of the Organization of American States it is of great concern that one of its international courts has issued an opinion recommending Costa Ricans to change their law,” Sen. Lee said. “The United States must do more to safeguard religious liberties around the world, prevent taxpayer dollars from funding ineffective international organizations, and most importantly uphold national sovereignty and the principles of subsidiarity.”
Sen. Lee Disappointed in FISA Vote
Jan 16, 2018
WASHINGTON - Today, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to invoke cloture on reauthorizing FISA surveillance provisions.
“I am deeply disappointed by the vote tonight which empowered Senate leadership to forbid any amendments to our nation’s surveillance system. The new warrant provisions in this bill are filled with loopholes that any biased government agent can exploit, and tonight’s vote has made it much more likely that improperly obtained private conversations will be used for political gain."
Sens. Lee, Leahy Release Joint Statement on Upcoming Debate on Section 702 Legislation
Jan 11, 2018
Today the House of Representatives passed the FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017, by a vote of 256 to 167. The bill would reauthorize Section 702 of the FISA Amendments Act. The House also rejected an amendment offered by Congressman Amash (R-Mich.) -- by a vote of 233 to 183 — which would have provided an overhaul of Section 702 with reforms intended to protect Americans’ privacy rights. Statutory authorization for Section 702 will expire after January 19, 2018. Following is the joint statement today of Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), the principal Republican and Democratic authors and sponsors of the USA Liberty Act, which reauthorizes and reforms Section 702
Sen. Lee Statement on Passing of Bruce Cole
Jan 10, 2018
"Yesterday, our republic lost a devoted friend.
Bruce Cole dedicated his life to forming responsible and patriotic American citizens. Dr. Cole was the longest-serving chairman of the National Endowment of the Humanities, who served in that role from 2001 to 2009. He was a distinguished scholar of Renaissance art and a recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal.
Sen. Lee Statement on Utah Retaining Apache Battalion
Jan 9, 2018
“I am delighted that the Army has publicly announced its stationing decision for the AH-64 Apache Attack-Reconnaissance Battalions, allowing Utah’s airmen to continue their mission for our nation and contributions to total Army end strength,” Senator Lee stated. “After fighting for performance-based decision making for four years on the Senate Armed Services Committee, it is appropriate that Utah’s guardsmen and women will continue fulfilling their commitments to our country through their contributions to readiness with the Apache.”
Sen. Lee Statement on Passing of President Monson
Jan 3, 2018
SALT LAKE CITY – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement today regarding the death of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Monson.
“President Thomas S Monson was a dedicated disciple who spent almost eight decades in the service of his fellow men and his God. He was a strong advocate for Christlike love and the principle of eternal families, and his years as prophet were marked by a massive expansion of the missionary system and the temple network. He led by example, and his messages of love, redemption, and optimism will continue to inspire and shape those he leaves behind, both in and outside the church. My prayers and the prayers of many others are with him and his family today.”
Sens. Markey and Lee Query Dept. of Homeland Security on Expansion of Facial Recognition Scanning Programs at U.S. Airports
Dec 21, 2017
Lawmakers ask for more information since Congress has never authorized biometric exit scanning for U.S. citizens
