On the recordJune 4, 2019
Mr. President, I have been a Member of this body for several months now, and I would like to offer a few observations about the experience. I had been told that I might not like it here. Having previously been a Governor, some friends thought I might find the pace a little too slow and decision making too diffuse and cumbersome, but that has not been the case. My committee assignments are interesting and the work is important, and while few bills actually become law, the fact that both political parties must reach consensus for a bill to pass reinforces the ties that bind our Republic. Given the public passion of our politics these days, I had also presumed that the atmosphere here would vary between prickly and hostile, but the truth is that Senators on both sides of the aisle are remarkably friendly and collegial once the cameras are off. I have now met privately with 68 of my fellow Senators. Like them, I came here in part because I believe my life experience could help us confront our national challenges. I also believe that the values and policies practiced in Utah can inform national debates. Our State has the fastest job growth in the country. It balances its budget every year. It has the country's most highly educated workforce. It is a great privilege to represent the people of Utah in the Senate.…





