Press Releases
Lee Opposes D.C. Circuit Nominee Caitlin Halligan
Mar 6, 2013
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) delivered a Senate floor speech in opposition of DC Circuit nominee Caitlin Halligan, citing the lack of need for an additional judge in the Court, and concerns with Halligan's views in previous cases. The full text of the speech is available below and in the video above.
Lee Joins Cruz In Demanding Vote On Delaying Funding of Obamacare As Part of Continuing Resolution
Mar 6, 2013
I will join Senator Cruz in objecting to Senate consideration of any Continuing Resolution without a vote on delaying funding of Obamacare. Defunding Obamacare is essential to restoring economic growth. At this time of fiscal turmoil, Congress shouldn’t borrow more money to pay for something we cannot afford. Although I would prefer a full repeal of Obamacare, we should at minimum delay its implementation until our country is experiencing real, sustained economic growth.
Lee Calls to Extend Comment Period for Gunnison Sage-grouse Endangered Species Listing
Mar 5, 2013
WASHINGTON - Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) recently joined six of his House and Senate colleagues to request a 60-day extension of the comment period of the proposed rules for the Gunnison sage-grouse in order to give local communities more time to participate in this complex ruling that could result in serious property use restrictions.
The letter sent to the Colorado Fish and Wildlife Service field director, Noreen Walsh, expressed concern about the impact this listing and proposed critical habitat will have on the local communities. Along with Senator Lee, Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Mark Udall (D-CO), and Representatives Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Jim Matheson (D-UT), and Scott Tipton (R-CO) signed the letter.
The proposed listing of the Gunnison Sage grouse was the result of a settlement agreement between an environmental group and the Fish and Wildlife Service.
“This practice, referred to as ‘sue and settle,’ is very problematic,” says Lee. “In cases like this, an agreement is reached between Fish and Wildlife and environmental groups with very little opportunity for the communities most impacted by the decisions to have their voices heard. By excluding local officials from these decisions, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service obstruct the ability of local officials to create conservation plans for threatened species even though local officials might have a better approach to protecting the species. ”
In order to counter the abusive “sue and settle” practice that is restricting property rights, stifling democratic processes, and draining the resources of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Senator Lee has co-sponsored the ESA Settlement Reform Act. This legislation would protect the rights of local communities to weigh in, as well as improve transparency and reduce the cost of abusive regulations on hardworking taxpayers. It would amend the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) to give states, counties and other affected parties a say in the settlement of certain ESA “citizen suits” and would prevent U.S. taxpayer dollars from being used to fund these lawsuits.
The letter sent to the Colorado Fish and Wildlife Service field director, Noreen Walsh, expressed concern about the impact this listing and proposed critical habitat will have on the local communities. Along with Senator Lee, Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Mark Udall (D-CO), and Representatives Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Jim Matheson (D-UT), and Scott Tipton (R-CO) signed the letter.
The proposed listing of the Gunnison Sage grouse was the result of a settlement agreement between an environmental group and the Fish and Wildlife Service.
“This practice, referred to as ‘sue and settle,’ is very problematic,” says Lee. “In cases like this, an agreement is reached between Fish and Wildlife and environmental groups with very little opportunity for the communities most impacted by the decisions to have their voices heard. By excluding local officials from these decisions, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service obstruct the ability of local officials to create conservation plans for threatened species even though local officials might have a better approach to protecting the species. ”
In order to counter the abusive “sue and settle” practice that is restricting property rights, stifling democratic processes, and draining the resources of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Senator Lee has co-sponsored the ESA Settlement Reform Act. This legislation would protect the rights of local communities to weigh in, as well as improve transparency and reduce the cost of abusive regulations on hardworking taxpayers. It would amend the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) to give states, counties and other affected parties a say in the settlement of certain ESA “citizen suits” and would prevent U.S. taxpayer dollars from being used to fund these lawsuits.
ICYMI (VIDEO) LEE: CUT THIS, NOT THAT!
Mar 1, 2013
LEE: We are of the opinion the President shouldn’t be scaring the American people, especially when it is completely unnecessary. We can find ways to cut in areas where ordinary people won’t get hurt the way the president is threatening to hurt them…
VAN SUSTEREN: I would like to see someone go through the budget and see exactly where our money is going!
LEE: That’s exactly right, Greta, and why it’s so important to have a budget. That’s why it’s so bad that we’ve gone the last four years without passing a budget…To pass a budget you have to have a prolonged debate, discussion, and dialogue about what our national priorities are.
Lee Launches "Cut This, Not That"
Feb 28, 2013
The vast majority of Americans recognize that Washington's spending is excessively wasteful. In response to the president's efforts to misinform Americans that the sequester will require dramatic cuts to essential government services, I have launched "Cut This, Not That." This is a campaign to remind Americans and the president that with a budget that exceeds $3 trillion dollars there is plenty of room for cutting. Please feel free to use the following images to spread this message.
For more graphics, click here.
Lee Joins 14 Senators In Call for Hagel Withdrawal
Feb 21, 2013
oday, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) joined 14 of his colleagues in calling on President Obama to withdraw Chuck Hagel’s nomination to be Secretary of Defense.
Lee Hosts Constitution Bowl Winners in Washington, DC
Feb 15, 2013
Mike Lee hosted the winners of the 2012 Constitution Bowl in Washington, DCthis week. The Cottonwood Heights teens won the opportunity to visit and tour our nation’s capitol when they proved their firm understanding of the U.S. Constitution in a competition with three other Utah teams in September.
Lee Statement on US Airways, American Airlines Merger
Feb 14, 2013
Today, Senator Lee, ranking member on the Antitrust Subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on the proposed merger between US Airways and American Airlines:
“Mergers are an essential element of our rapidly changing economy, often creating significant efficiencies and helping ensure that resources are put to their most productive use,” said Senator Lee. “In a competitive market, consumers benefit from these efficiencies in the form of high quality products and services at low prices. Absent evidence that a transaction will substantially reduce competition and thereby harm consumers, I believe government intervention is usually unjustified.
“The proposed merger between US Airways and American Airlines has potential to benefit the air travel industry as well as consumers. At the same time, a transaction of this size, which will result in the nation’s largest carrier, poses potential risks for the market. In recent years, the airline industry has become increasingly consolidated and this merger would reduce the number of major carriers to four.
“Antitrust officials must ensure that an additional merger of this magnitude would not lead to higher passenger fares, result in diminished service to regional markets, or allow for coordinated conduct among rivals. I look forward to joining Senator Klobuchar in a thorough review of this transaction and providing oversight of antitrust regulators as they do the same.”
“Mergers are an essential element of our rapidly changing economy, often creating significant efficiencies and helping ensure that resources are put to their most productive use,” said Senator Lee. “In a competitive market, consumers benefit from these efficiencies in the form of high quality products and services at low prices. Absent evidence that a transaction will substantially reduce competition and thereby harm consumers, I believe government intervention is usually unjustified.
“The proposed merger between US Airways and American Airlines has potential to benefit the air travel industry as well as consumers. At the same time, a transaction of this size, which will result in the nation’s largest carrier, poses potential risks for the market. In recent years, the airline industry has become increasingly consolidated and this merger would reduce the number of major carriers to four.
“Antitrust officials must ensure that an additional merger of this magnitude would not lead to higher passenger fares, result in diminished service to regional markets, or allow for coordinated conduct among rivals. I look forward to joining Senator Klobuchar in a thorough review of this transaction and providing oversight of antitrust regulators as they do the same.”
Lee Introduces Immigration Reform Bills
Feb 13, 2013
Senator Mike Lee introduced two pieces of legislation that seek to reform America’s immigration system.
Lee Opposes Hagel
Feb 12, 2013
Today Senator Mike Lee, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted against the confirmation of Senator Chuck Hagel to be Secretary of Defense.
