Orrin Hatch: “I rise today to discuss the Western Economic Security Today Act, the WEST Act, which I recently introduced with my good…”

“I rise today to discuss the Western Economic Security Today Act, the WEST Act, which I recently introduced with my good friend and colleague from Wyoming, Senator Barrasso. This bill is an outgrowth of our work with the Senate Western Caucus and the Congressional Western Caucus. These groups, which include my good friend from Utah, Congressman Rob Bishop, and Congressman Steve Pearce from New Mexico, are truly leading the way. We have been doing the hard work of identifying solutions that will promote job creation, boost America's energy production, and put our Nation on a better fiscal footing by encouraging economic growth. We keep hearing from the Democratic leadership that Congress is dysfunctional. That may be. But it is not because of a lack of good ideas. It is because--in an effort to help the President in his reelection and shield vulnerable Democrats--the decision was made to promote politically motivated show votes rather than sound job-creating legislation. Americans do not want higher taxes in the name of redistribution and government-dictated fairness. They do not want bureaucrats in Washington figuring out how to spread the wealth around, as then- candidate Obama put it in 2008. What they want is economic opportunity and the security that comes with it. They want the freedom and opportunity to pursue new ventures, start new businesses, and save for their retirement and for their children's education.…”