Lee Urges Senate to Address the Threat of Western Wild Fires
Jun 11, 2014
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee sent a letter to Senator Mary Landrieu, Chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, urging the Committee to promptly schedule oversight hearings to review federal wildland fire management activities and address the threat of catastrophic wildland fire in the West. Senator Lee expressed grave concerns about the ability of the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to protect public safety during what is projected to be a severe and destructive wildfire season.
Along with five other Senators who signed the letter, Senator Lee explained, “One of the greatest challenges facing our western forests is the growing severity of the fire season. Extreme fire behavior has become the new normal, due in no small part, to the mismanagement or lack of management of our public lands. This mismanagement has resulted in the loss of property, natural resources, wildlife habitat, as well as jobs and economic opportunities in rural communities.”
The Senators urged the Committee to follow the lead of the House of Representatives, which has “already approved legislation to restore active forest management,” and act quickly on this urgent matter. “Given that this fire season is off to an early and destructive start, it is critical that the Committee hear from the land-management agencies and examine and evaluate the agencies’ capacity to respond appropriately to wildfires, reduce fire risk to communities, and improve forest, watershed, and rangeland health.”
These oversight hearings represent the crucial first step in advancing “national forestry, rangeland, and watershed management reforms that will reduce wildland fire risks through more active management.”
Along with five other Senators who signed the letter, Senator Lee explained, “One of the greatest challenges facing our western forests is the growing severity of the fire season. Extreme fire behavior has become the new normal, due in no small part, to the mismanagement or lack of management of our public lands. This mismanagement has resulted in the loss of property, natural resources, wildlife habitat, as well as jobs and economic opportunities in rural communities.”
The Senators urged the Committee to follow the lead of the House of Representatives, which has “already approved legislation to restore active forest management,” and act quickly on this urgent matter. “Given that this fire season is off to an early and destructive start, it is critical that the Committee hear from the land-management agencies and examine and evaluate the agencies’ capacity to respond appropriately to wildfires, reduce fire risk to communities, and improve forest, watershed, and rangeland health.”
These oversight hearings represent the crucial first step in advancing “national forestry, rangeland, and watershed management reforms that will reduce wildland fire risks through more active management.”
Lee Attends SASC Briefing on Bergdahl
Jun 10, 2014
Senator Mike Lee, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), attended a meeting of SASC members this morning to receive a classified briefing from senior Pentagon officials on the prisoner exchange of five high-level Taliban leaders for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
The transfer of these detainees from Guantanamo Bay violated federal law requiring the Department of Defense to notify Congress 30 days prior to the transfer of any detainees from that facility. Following the briefing, Senator Lee remained concerned that the administration did not fully recognize the security implications of transferring these detainees and allowing them to eventually return to Afghanistan.
Said Senator Lee, "These five detainees were important leaders of the former Taliban government and had previously been deemed too dangerous to transfer, as recently as 2010. We still have serious questions about why suddenly they were no longer dangerous, and whether their return to Afghanistan could result in undermining over a decade of American work in that country that cost the lives of thousands of our service members."
Senator Lee will continue to push for answers to these questions and ensure that these decisions are being made more responsibly and with greater oversight.
The transfer of these detainees from Guantanamo Bay violated federal law requiring the Department of Defense to notify Congress 30 days prior to the transfer of any detainees from that facility. Following the briefing, Senator Lee remained concerned that the administration did not fully recognize the security implications of transferring these detainees and allowing them to eventually return to Afghanistan.
Said Senator Lee, "These five detainees were important leaders of the former Taliban government and had previously been deemed too dangerous to transfer, as recently as 2010. We still have serious questions about why suddenly they were no longer dangerous, and whether their return to Afghanistan could result in undermining over a decade of American work in that country that cost the lives of thousands of our service members."
Senator Lee will continue to push for answers to these questions and ensure that these decisions are being made more responsibly and with greater oversight.
The Ceremonial Release of the 2014 Arches National Park quarter
Jun 6, 2014
Today a member of my staff attended the ceremonial release of the 2014 Arches National Park quarter, the 23rd coin of the United States Mint America the Beautiful
Quarters Program. The America's Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar
Coin Act of 2008 requires the United States Mint to design, mint, and issue quarter-dollar coins emblematic of a national park or other national site in each state, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. Territories. The Arches National Park quarter follows the
release of the quarters honoring Shenandoah National Park (Virginia), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee), Mount Rushmore National Memorial (South Dakota), and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Maryland). Under the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, the United States Mint will issue five new quarters each year in the order in which each honored national park or other national site was first
established, with one final coin in 2021. Richard Peterson, U.S. Mint Deputy Director made the presentation to the state, with participation from Lt. Governor Spencer Cox and Kate Cannon, Arches National Park Superintendent. Quarters ceremonial packets were issued to all the children present and then to participants. The official issuance to the
public will be today.
Maintaining an Open Dialogue with Utah Businesses, Local Officials and Media
May 30, 2014
Meeting Utah Businesses
During the last week, I have been meeting with various groups across the state of Utah. I had a few meetings with various business leaders, employees, and industry leaders in Utah's thriving private sector.
thank you to @SenMikeLee for participating in the @NASDAQOMX executive roundtable this morning in SLC pic.twitter.com/oBHpggVNXD
— Michael Bartels (@ekimsletrab) May 28, 2014
On Wednesday morning I was part of an executive roundtable with several dozen heads of companies that are listed on NASDAQ. Many of these companies are technology companies. We had a very engaging conversation about the patent reform bill I am co-sponsoring with Senator Leahy and how “patent trolls” are crippling many companies in their industries.
I also met with regional Comcast representatives to discuss Utah-specific issues regarding infrastructure and access. As Utah continues to be one of the world's foremost locations for new businesses, entrepreneurship, and the tech industry, it was important to hear from one of our state's internet providers regarding the importance of high-speed internet access to these different sectors and to Utahns.
On Thursday I met with over 60 Salt Lake City-based employees of the Williams Company. I provided a report of the current issues facing Congress, and I was able to hear from these hard-working Utahns about their industry, their concerns, and their accomplishments.
I also had a very productive discussion with the Utah Steel Fabricators Association. This group comprises most of the distributors, processors, and fabricators of steel in the state of Utah, which represents many thousands of Utah jobs. We discussed the future of American manufacturing, and how certain reforms can help continue job growth in Utah.
Meeting with Local Officials
On Thursday morning, I met with a group of legislators from the Utah House of Representatives. It was an engaging and lively discussion with many of our state legislators, and we spent several hours discussing issues such as healthcare and education, and how I can best be a resource to our state legislature.
I also spoke at the investiture of Judge Carolyn McHugh to the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. I supported Judge McHugh’s nomination, the first female member of this court to be appointed in over 20 years.
Meeting with Utah's Media
My interview w/ @ABC4Glen will air this evening. I look forward to following his work as new reporter at @abc4utah. pic.twitter.com/ADpSYzDAFH
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 29, 2014
I had an enjoyable tour of ABC4 Studios in Salt Lake City by Richard Jones, the General Manager. I met with many of the employees of Channel 4, and had an in-depth interview with Glen Mills, Channel 4’s political reporter, who asked me questions about my bipartisan Smarter Sentencing Act, which I am co-sponsoring with one of my Democratic colleagues in the Senate.
Sentencing reform
Transportation Reform
Senator Lee Honors Academy Nominees for U.S. Military Academies
May 29, 2014
I hosted a dinner to honor high school graduates that I personally nominated to attend U.S. military academies.
These students go through a very rigorous interview process, they have impeccable grades, outstanding test scores, and they've also demonstrated and aptitude for leadership and high performance in every aspect of their lives. I expect great things from this bright young group of students, and I am grateful that they are choosing to apply their talents to the service of our country.
Of the seven high school graduates from all over the state of Utah that have been accepted into these academies, four are going to the Naval Academy, two to West Point, and one to Air Force Academy. I wish them the best in their future endeavors.
Pictured left to right: Dexter Clark, Seth White, Sen. Lee, Amy Johnston, Zerek Olson, & Keven Yeh
Honoring a Utah Veteran
May 28, 2014
On Tuesday the 27th of May, the staff in my St. George office hosted an awards ceremony for Sidney Ingram (Ski). LTC Anderson conducted the ceremony along with SGT Larsen and SGT Ogden of the SFC US Army 222. They presented Ski with three ribbons he had earned during the Vietnam War.
It is important that we all remember our Veterans that have served this country and that we ensure they receive the awards and recognition that they deserve. I salute the efforts made by these men, and I appreciate the efforts of my staff to serve them.
Lee: President's Syria Proposal Raises Security Questions
May 28, 2014
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee said Obama’s announcement to expand support to Syrian rebels raises serious security questions regarding the composition of Syrian opposition forces and the ability of the United States to ensure that terrorist groups do not have access to U.S. assistance.
Last week, the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) passed its annual authorization bill for the Department of Defense, which included a provision that would authorize the Secretary of Defense to provide a broad range of assistance, including lethal aid, to opposition forces in Syria.
“The situation in Syria is desperate and we should be constantly assessing it for threats to U.S. security, but I am concerned that sending American weapons and training into this crisis could be like pouring gas on a fire,” Lee stated. “When senior members of the president’s national security team cannot guarantee that assistance won’t fall into the hands of our enemies, or that the people we train today won’t be fighting alongside al-Qaeda tomorrow, we should be very careful in considering approaches that could assist extremists in that conflict.”
Following the March 6 Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), CENTCOM Commander General Lloyd Austin stated in an answer for the record:
“No, we cannot guarantee the assistance we provide doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Undoubtedly, some weapons and funds flowing into Syria wind up in the hands of extremists such as Al Nusrah Front or the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL).”
On February 11, during a SASC hearing regarding the relationship of moderate opposition and extremist groups in Syria, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told Senator Lee:
“Well, they are an agreement of convenience, I would say. Oftentimes, these groups will apparently – which are quite fluid, by the way – may disagree ideologically, but will, if it’s convenient for them in a tactical context, agree to work together.”
The bill, the National Defense Authorization Act, was reported out of committee by a vote of 25-1, with Senator Lee as the only “NO” vote due to the Syrian provision, as well as other concerns.
Touring the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District
May 23, 2014
On May 21, a member of my staff participated in a tour of the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District. The tour began at Smith and Morehouse Reservoir in Summit County where up to 1,360 acre-feet of water from runoff is stored. This water eventually arrives at the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District's water treatment facility in Layton, is processed, and then is piped to various municipalities in Weber and Davis Counties.
Later on the tour, my staff got a chance to go underneath the Wanship Dam, a dam that impounds up to 62,100 acre-feet water from the Rockport Lake. A tour such as this makes one truly appreciate the clean water that is released from a faucet in one's home or office. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I recognize that it is crucial to maintain relationships with the stewards of our water infrastructure.
Klobuchar, Lee Call for Review of AT&T’s Proposed Acquisition of DirectTV
May 23, 2014
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Lee (R-UT) today sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding AT&T’s proposed acquisition of DirectTV. In the letter, the Senators urged the DOJ and FCC to assess the impact that the proposed merger could have on consumers, including price, choice, and quality of service. Klobuchar, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, and Lee, the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee, will hold a hearing to examine the potential acquisition this summer.
“This proposed transaction would result in additional consolidation in the market for pay television and may impact consumer welfare in that market and other markets in which the companies operate,” the Senators said in the letter. “As always, the key to analyzing any merger should be the effect it will have on consumers, including price, choice, quality of service, and innovation.”
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Assistant Attorney General Baer and Chairman Wheeler:
As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, we write regarding AT&T’s proposed acquisition of DirecTV. This proposed transaction would result in additional consolidation in the market for pay television and may impact consumer welfare in that market and other markets in which the companies operate. For example, the companies currently compete with each other in 25 percent of the country, including in 10 of the top 20 markets. In addition, this merger, taken together with the recently announced merger between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, could potentially affect future innovation and technological advances, including the availability of online video distribution.
AT&T and DirecTV state that their merger will create a “competitive alternative to cable for consumers wanting a better bundle of top-quality broadband, video and mobile services, as well as a better customer experience and enhanced innovation.” The companies further state that increased scale will allow the merged entity to realize cost synergies.
As you review this transaction, we believe it is important to validate and weigh these efficiencies against the potential competitive harms that could result from the transaction. As always, the key to analyzing any merger should be the effect it will have on consumers, including price, choice, quality of service, and innovation.
We plan to hold a Subcommittee hearing this summer to examine the important issues raised by this proposed merger and will follow up with you based on the evidence and testimony reviewed during that process. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
“This proposed transaction would result in additional consolidation in the market for pay television and may impact consumer welfare in that market and other markets in which the companies operate,” the Senators said in the letter. “As always, the key to analyzing any merger should be the effect it will have on consumers, including price, choice, quality of service, and innovation.”
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Assistant Attorney General Baer and Chairman Wheeler:
As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, we write regarding AT&T’s proposed acquisition of DirecTV. This proposed transaction would result in additional consolidation in the market for pay television and may impact consumer welfare in that market and other markets in which the companies operate. For example, the companies currently compete with each other in 25 percent of the country, including in 10 of the top 20 markets. In addition, this merger, taken together with the recently announced merger between Comcast and Time Warner Cable, could potentially affect future innovation and technological advances, including the availability of online video distribution.
AT&T and DirecTV state that their merger will create a “competitive alternative to cable for consumers wanting a better bundle of top-quality broadband, video and mobile services, as well as a better customer experience and enhanced innovation.” The companies further state that increased scale will allow the merged entity to realize cost synergies.
As you review this transaction, we believe it is important to validate and weigh these efficiencies against the potential competitive harms that could result from the transaction. As always, the key to analyzing any merger should be the effect it will have on consumers, including price, choice, quality of service, and innovation.
We plan to hold a Subcommittee hearing this summer to examine the important issues raised by this proposed merger and will follow up with you based on the evidence and testimony reviewed during that process. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Senator Lee’s Floor Remarks on the Nomination of Sylvia Burwell to Secretary of HHS
May 23, 2014
The Senate is in the process of considering one of the most important presidential nominations of Barack Obama’s second term. Sylvia Burwell, the current Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), was nominated by President Obama to replace Kathleen Sebelius as the next Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It is now the Senate’s responsibility to review Ms. Burwell’s candidacy and then vote to confirm or reject the President’s nomination.
