As we enter 2023, I remain grateful for the opportunity to represent Utahns in Washington and help tackle some of the biggest issues facing our great country. To continue being transparent and accountable to you, I’ve put together a report detailing my efforts in Washington this past year.
In 2022, Senator Romney worked effectively to advance his priorities for Utah and for the nation, including efforts to save the Great Salt Lake and address Utah’s drought problem; reign in spending and the national debt; bolster our decaying infrastructure; better support working families; assist Ukraine in its effort to defeat Russia; and counter the rising threat posed by China.
The Christmas season gives us reason to pause and reflect upon the things that matter most in our lives—like our family, friends, faith, and values. It’s also a time to take stock in our blessings—one of the most noteworthy of which is living in the greatest country on Earth. I render my thanks to the men and women across our nation who shape America’s greatness, especially those in our Armed Services who are keeping our country safe and protecting the freedoms that we hold dear.
Senator Romney voted in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, the government funding bill, which includes measures he fought for this Congress to benefit Utah. The bill includes the Bonneville Shoreline Trail Advancement Act, support for hospitals throughout the state, and funding for essential services like roads and law enforcement in Utah’s rural counties. Utah’s military programs at Hill Air Force Base and Dugway Proving Ground will also receive the funding they need to carry out their vital missions in support of the country’s national defense.
Senate Passes Defense Bill with Romney Measures to Counter China, Save the Great Salt Lake, and Assist Utahns
Senator Romney joined a bicameral letter urging the Department of Labor not to move forward with its proposed rule for determining independent contractor classification due to the negative impact on workers and business, the test’s lack of clarity and the devastating consequences for the U.S. economy.
Senator Romney joined his colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland urging the Administration to withdraw recent draft guidance proposed by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
This week, Senator Romney introduced two pieces of legislation to combat the rise of China—a bill to bolster our critical mineral mining capabilities and a bill to ensure China no longer receives special treatment on the global stage. He also highlighted the urgent need to find solutions to saving the Great Salt Lake and urged the USDA to better support Utah’s farmers and ranchers amid the historic drought.
Senator Romney joined Washington Post reporter Leigh Ann Caldwell to discuss U.S. investments in clean energy innovation, the need to focus on global climate solutions, prospects for bipartisan cooperation, and his efforts to address Utah’s unique climate challenges like saving the Great Salt Lake.
Senators Romney and Bennet led fourteen bipartisan senators in a letter urging the United States Department of Agriculture to give parity to the urgent priorities of Western growers and communities through existing authorities, new funding, and collaboration across government.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee advanced the Black Sea Security Act, legislation introduced by Senators Romney and Shaheen, that directs the Administration to develop a strategy toward the Black Sea region, which has increasingly become a critical inflection point for European and global security amid Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war in Ukraine.
Senators Romney and Sullivan today introduced the Critical Mineral Independence Act of 2022, legislation to help ensure that the U.S. secures critical mineral independence from China.