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I am aware of recent efforts within the state of Utah to empower local agencies with greater roles in protecting endangered species such as the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle, the Gunnison Sage Grouse, the Greater Sage Grouse, and the Utah Prairie Dog. I am hopeful that the US Fish and Wildlife Service will recognize the value of working with local and state officials to actively manage protected species as opposed to protecting species through top-down mandates from Washington that can't take into account local nuances like the locations of cemeteries, the safety needs of airports, or private property values.

Following the tragedy at Sandy Hook, we all wanted to find answers that would reduce crime and prevent the next senseless act of violence. Unfortunately, the Senate did not consider any proposals that would achieve these objectives. Instead, the primary effect of most of the bills we voted on today, including the expansion of background checks, was to limit the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Today, Senator Mike Lee (UT) joined several of his colleagues in sending a letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), condemning their practice of accessing citizens’ private electronic communications, including emails, without a warrant.

This morning the Senate will vote on the motion to proceed to the firearms bill (S.649). It is expected that the Toomey-Manchin provision announced yesterday will replace the current language regarding background checks.