Press Releases
Lee Backs Calls for Enforcing “Leahy-Thurmond Rule” on Judges
Jun 14, 2012
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee responded to reports that Senate Republicans would begin enforcing the “Leahy-Thurmond Rule,” an historic practice in presidential years when the Senate stops confirming certain judicial nominees.
“I am pleased that the Republican caucus has decided to enforce the Leahy-Thurmond rule and cease confirming appeals court nominees until after the presidential election,” said Lee, a member of the Judiciary Committee. “It is particularly important that we do so now in light of the unconstitutional ‘recess’ appointments President Obama made earlier this year. The President must be held accountable for his unprecedented and illegitimate assertion that he may unilaterally determine when the Senate is in session. I join Leader McConnell, Senator Grassley, and others in opposing President Obama’s abuse of power and curtailing additional appellate confirmations between now and the election.”
Lee Opposes Nomination of Andrew Hurwitz
Jun 12, 2012
Today, Senator Mike Lee spoke on the Senate floor opposing the nomination of Andrew Hurwitz for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Senator Lee noted that Mr. Hurwitz has closely associated himself with the misguided reasoning behind the controversial abortion rights decision in Roe v. Wade.
Poll: Overwhelming Majority Still Opposes Unconstitutional Mandate
Jun 5, 2012
A new poll shows Americans overwhelmingly continue to oppose a provision of the president’s signature legislation, ObamaCare, which would require individuals to purchase health insurance.
Lee: Verizon/Cable Deal Appears Procompetitive and Likely to Benefit Consumers
May 24, 2012
Although antitrust law is by its very nature forward looking, unmoored speculation must not be allowed to overtake rational economic analysis.
Senator Lee presses FBI Director Mueller on detention and surveillance of U.S. citizens
May 16, 2012
At a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing this morning, Senator Lee questioned FBI Director Mueller on the potential for indefinite detention of U.S. citizens under the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act. Director Mueller agreed that the government should not be allowed to detain U.S. citizens indefinitely without charge or trial.
Lee offers Amendment to End Export-Import Bank
May 15, 2012
It's time that we wind down the Export-Import Bank, and my amendment, amendment number 2100, would do precisely that. The American people cannot be the world's financial backstop. The government shouldn't be picking winners and losers. Businesses in Utah and across the country are not receiving government help and are shutting their doors after decades serving their communities. We should not through this government be adding insult to injury by using tax money they contributed to prop up companies overseas.
Lee Defends Record on Judicial Nominations
May 9, 2012
Today, Senator Mike Lee blasted the White House for misleading the public on the issue of judicial vacancies and defended Republicans' record on moving forward with President Obama’s nominations.
Lee Introduces Act to Balance Land Designation Authority
May 7, 2012
Senator Mike Lee introduced the Federal Land Designation Requirements Act of 2012, which would limit the federal government’s power to make a variety of land designations, including national parks, national monuments, and national recreation areas. The bill requires the approval of the state legislature before the federal government can make any federal land designation.
Lee's Mobile Office Visits All 29 Counties
May 3, 2012
Last week, Senator Mike Lee's Mobile Office completed the first round of its visits to towns and cities in each county in the state of Utah. The Mobile Office is run by Senator Lee's Community Outreach Director, D. Gary Beck, CAPT, USCG (Ret), and it allows the senator to provide Utahns who might not otherwise be able to interact with him or his staff in the Salt Lake City, St. George or Washington D.C. offices a way to do so in or near their local communities throughout Utah. Since its creation late last year, the Mobile Office has visited 54 cities and towns, and has provided service to 599 constituents.
Lee: VAWA Oversteps Limits on Federal Power
Apr 26, 2012
My opposition to the current VAWA reauthorization is a vote against big government and inefficient spending, and a vote in favor of state autonomy and local control. We must not allow a desire by some to score political points and an appetite for federal spending to prevent states and localities from efficiently and effectively serving women and other victims of domestic violence.
