Sen. Lee Urges No Vote on Divisive Equality Act
May 17, 2019
WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement Friday, ahead of the House of Representative vote on H.R. 5.
“Americans are becoming more tolerant every day, which is why the Equality Act is so counterproductive. It unnecessarily pits communities against each other and divides our nation when patience and understanding are so sorely needed.”
Wild Horses
May 17, 2019
Few images are more iconic than a wild mustang running freely through the open pastures of the mountain West. Unfortunately, the nasty reality of wild horse management doesn’t match that fantasy.
Congress formally recognized the need to protect wild mustangs with passage of the Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. At the time, many Americans believed some of the methods used to cull horse herds were inhumane and needed to be regulated. The WFRHBA placed wild horses under federal management, making culling or even harassing horses illegal.
Sen. Lee Introduces Agency Accountability Act
May 14, 2019
WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Agency Accountability Act Tuesday, a bill designed to increase transparency, oversight, and accountability over the executive branch.
“Congress has given far too much power and authority to the executive branch and it is far past time for us to start taking it back,” Sen. Lee said. “By forcing government agencies to get approval from Congress before spending government money, the Agency Accountability Act is an essential element of any effort to rein in executive branch overreach.”
When The United States Became United
May 10, 2019
On May 10, 1869, a golden spike was driven into the last link joining the rails of the First Continental Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah. Made of 17 carat gold, and driven into a pre-drilled hole in the last ceremonial tie, it bore this inscription: “May God continue the unity of our Country, as this Railroad unites the two great Oceans of the world.”
And indeed it did. With the joining of the Union Pacific Railroad, stretching from the Missouri River near the Iowa-Nebraska border, and the Central Pacific railroad, stretching from Sacramento, California—East met West. The Unites States became truly united. As the spike was struck, a telegraph was sent around the nation, and bells rang out from coast to coast.
Why Are We Bringing Back Beijing’s Bank?
May 10, 2019
Why did the United States Senate revive one of China’s favorite sources of American tax dollars right as President Trump is about to escalate our nation’s trade dispute with the communist government in China?
It just makes no sense.
Sen. Lee Introduces Aviation Empowerment Act
May 10, 2019
WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Aviation Empowerment Act Thursday, a measure intended to address the outdated rules and regulations of the FAA which stifle innovation within the general aviation sector.
“Innovation is key to competition and accessibility,” Sen. Lee said. “The growing record of aviation cost-sharing services in other countries shows they can be safe and effective. It is past time we enable such services in our country."
Golden Spike
May 9, 2019
On May 10, 1869, a golden spike was driven into the last link joining the rails of the First Continental Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah. Made of 17 carat gold, and driven into a pre-drilled hole in the last ceremonial tie, it bore this inscription: “May God continue the unity of our Country, as this Railroad unites the two great Oceans of the world.”
And indeed it did. With the joining of the Union Pacific Railroad, stretching from the Missouri River near the Iowa-Nebraska border, and the Central Pacific railroad, stretching from Sacramento, California—East met West. The Unites States became truly united. As the spike was struck, a telegraph was sent around the nation, and bells rang out from coast to coast.
Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act: The case for a more merit-based immigration system
May 8, 2019
Ashish Patel first came to Utah legally in 2005 on a temporary high-skilled work visa. Since that time Mr. Patel worked hard at his job, paid taxes, followed the law, got married, and had two kids, both of whom were born American citizens.
In February 2011, Mr. Patel’s petition to earn a Green Card – the legal document that gives an immigrant the right to live and work in the United States permanently – was approved. Though approved, his Green Card remains unissued. If Mr. Patel had immigrated from any country in the world other than India he would already have his Green Card today.
Beijing's Bank
May 7, 2019
Mr./Madam President,
Many Americans might be surprised to learn that some of their tax dollars are going directly to Chinese companies. And that some of those dollars even go to corporations owned by the Chinese government, like Chinese banks, Chinese development agencies, and Chinese microprocessor factories.
Sen. Lee Introduces Air Traffic Control Safe Operations and Readiness Act
May 6, 2019
WASHINGTON - Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Air Traffic Control Safe Operations and Readiness Act Monday, a bill designed to decrease the number of applicants that flunk out of the air traffic control academy.
“When employers look to hire a new employee, common sense suggests they should look for qualified candidates with job-relevant experience,” Sen. Lee said. “Currently federal law forbids the FAA from doing this for half of their air traffic controller hire. This is ridiculous. We need to let the FAA hire experienced candidates that have the best skills to keep us safe.”
The ATC SOAR Act would restore common sense hiring to the FAA by eliminating the requirement that approximately 50% of open controller positions go to “off the street” applicants and would instruct the FAA to give preference to veterans, national guard members, and candidates with previous controller experience or training.
