Orrin Hatch: “I rise to pay tribute to my good friend, Bennett Johnston, who announced his decision yesterday to retire from the…”

“I rise to pay tribute to my good friend, Bennett Johnston, who announced his decision yesterday to retire from the Senate. Senator Johnston has been a terrific friend and ally for me on a myriad of issues during his service in the Senate. I have always found him fair in all his dealings as chairman and ranking member on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where a public lands State like Utah is always tremendously affected by the committee's activities. For example, last year, Senator Johnston's help was essential in getting a bill through the Senate that will allow Utah's public school system to receive from revenues generated from Federal lands and royalties. He recognized the importance of this piece of legislation to education in my State and did everything he could to help it through the committee. I am convinced the bill would not have been signed into law by President Clinton last year without his support, and Utah's school children will be indebted to him for many years. He has a keen sense on issues related to the energy security of this Nation. It was his leadership that led to the development and passage of the Energy Security Act of 1992, which should allow us to meet the energy demands of our growing population for many years to come. His expertise in this area will be sorely missed by the Senate.”