July Update from Orrin Hatch, U.S. Senator

Fellow Utahns:

I appreciate the opportunity to update you on what I have been working on in the United States Senate. I continue to be gravely concerned with the Congress’ passage of the $2.5 trillion dollar Health Care Law.

I fought this monstrosity as hard as I could during the legislative battle, and since the President signed it into law, I’ve been working on a systematic approach to dismantle ObamaCare.

Just this month, I introduced two pieces of legislation as a strategic attack on the central tenants of ObamaCare. My American Job Protection Act would repeal the job-killing employer mandate in the new health law – a mandate which forces employers to provide insurance to their workers or face tax increases or penalties. The Congressional Budget Office found this would hit already hard-hit employers with another $52 billion in new taxes.

And the American Liberty Restoration Act would repeal the unconstitutional individual mandate, which forces Americans to buy health insurance or pay a hefty federal fine or penalty. As you know, I’ve led the fight against the individual mandate. Simply put, it is unconstitutional for Congress to tell the American people what they have to buy. Congress is empowered to regulate interstate commerce, but the individual mandate goes way beyond that.

Click here for more details on this legislation.

I refuse to look the other way while the President’s $2.5 trillion health law is allowed to wreak havoc on America’s pocketbooks, health care options and the future of our children and grandchildren.

Health care reform isn’t the only important issue I am discussing in this month’s update. I trust you will enjoy this source of news and information and find it helpful as you continue to study the many issues important to all Utahns.

I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve you and represent the wonderful state of Utah.

FIGHTING FOR UTAH

• Immigration: No parole or deferred action for illegal aliens, Hatch, 7 colleagues tell Obama.
• Letter to Obama: Senator sends letter to President Obama outlining why the Administration’s health care “promises are inconsistent with the law” and urges him to get rid of the employer mandate and other disruptive policies.
• Breach of Faith: Hatch, Senate Republicans say President has broken his health care promises.
• Treatment and Accountability: Senator introduces an amendment to require drug testing for welfare and unemployment benefits.
• Power Grab: EPA plan to regulate greenhouse gases will cost Utah, U.S. jobs, bankrupt the economy and hurt nation’s global competiveness, Hatch says.
• Politicizing oil: Hatch takes issue with White House for politicizing Gulf oil spill.
• Border Patrol: Hatch, McCain introduce amendment to secure the U.S.-Mexico border by sending 6,000 troops.
• Bank Bill: Utah senators right to vote against bogus financial regulatory bill.
• Open Government: Hatch Co-sponsors the Earmark Transparency Act of 2010.

KEY VOTES

• S.Amdt. 3738: Hatch votes for amendment that provides for independent audit of the Federal Reserve.
• S.Amdt. 4020: Senator votes for amendment to end bailouts for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
• S.Amdt. 3986: Hatch says yes to amendment to protect the taxpayers for bailing out foreign governments.
• H.R. 4173: Senator opposes badly flawed financial regulation bill.
• S.Amdt. 4204: Hatch votes against amendment to pull U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

UTAHNS IN FOCUS

• Northern Utah: Robert Wahlen, a Marine and Korean War veteran, receives his Purple Hearts from Senator Hatch and Congressman Rob Bishop.
• Wasatch Front: The senator exchanges greetings with Utahns at his 2010 Seniors Conference in Salt Lake City.
• Southern Utah: Hundreds of Washington County residents gather in early June to listen to Hatch at a town hall meeting in St. George.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Secure Communities: Hatch brings Secure Communities Program to Washington County to fight illegal immigration.
• On ICE: Three More Utah Counties Benefit from Immigration Enforcement Initiative.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Senator’s service bill providing scores of Utahns with volunteer opportunities and valuable job experience.
• Conservative’s Conservative: David Keene presents Hatch with the American Conservative Union Award.