Legislative Update
Condemning Antisemitism on College Campuses
Big news! My resolution condemning antisemitism on college campuses PASSED the House last week. It is the height of hypocrisy that the same colleges advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion are silent as hateful acts of antisemitism spread like wildfire on their campuses. The failure to promptly condemn these demonstrations glorifying terrorism is shameful and beyond moral reproach, and it has left Jewish students fearful for their lives. The People’s House sent a clear message to the nation: We firmly reject evil, we strongly support Israel, and we will root out the rotten ideologies found in our higher education system.
Defunding Biden’s Burdensome Mining Regulations
The vast majority of the Biden Administration’s Interagency Working Group on Mining recommendations undermine our domestic mineral supply chain and national security. That’s why I introduced and the House passed my amendment to prohibit funds from H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, from being used to implement, administer, or enforce the recommendations from the Biden Administration’s Interagency Working Group (IWG) on Mining. The U.S. must recognize the importance of a strong minerals supply chain and the dangers of reliance on adversaries. Other countries are investing in domestic production, while we lack a long-term strategy. We should support our domestic producers and aim for global leadership in mineral mining, rather than reinforcing China’s dominance. Federal funds should not enforce these risky recommendations; we need a durable strategy to catch up.
Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act
On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists massacred thousands of innocent Israelis, marking the deadliest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust. In the wake of these barbaric acts of terror, America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East and a critical partner in peace. From replenishing the Iron Dome and procuring advanced weapons systems to enhancing security presence at the US Embassy, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act is fully offset, delivering much-needed support to Israel without burdening American taxpayers. America will continue to support Israel as it defends itself and its civilians from Hamas terrorism.
The Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act
From severe drought and water scarcity to unrivaled growth and a booming population, Utah faces unique challenges and exciting opportunities. I am proud to have fought for and won several key priorities for Utah’s Fourth District in this year’s Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, including $1.75 million for West Jordan’s Flow Control Vault Retrofit and Replacement project and $1.6 million for Taylorsville’s Waterline Replacement project. To continue our state’s remarkable growth, I will remain a top advocate for Utahns, fighting for water infrastructure investments at the highest levels of government and partnering with local communities to ensure that these precious resources are utilized statewide.
Reporting on Investments in Foreign Adversaries (RIFA) Act
China and other foreign adversaries are determined to undermine America’s national interests and infect our political discourse. There is a disturbing lack of accountability for private institutions with endowments funded by foreign countries aiming to maliciously influence America’s universities and higher education or undermine our national security. My bill, the Reporting on Investments in Foreign Adversaries Act, is the latest step to counter foreign influence in U.S. higher education, will hold these universities accountable and root out malign foreign influence in U.S. higher education.
The DETERRENT Act
Our foreign adversaries, such as the Communist Chinese Party, are poisoning the minds of American students by funding college programs that disseminate anti-American propaganda in our nation’s colleges and universities. As the chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee, one of my top priorities is to halt any and all malign influence, and we start by following the money. The DETERRENT Act will bolster accountability, transparency, and clarity in higher education financing schemes and work to preserve our nation’s most cherished values on college campuses for generations to come.
Freezing Iran’s $6 Billion
Iran is the world’s worst state sponsor of terrorism, and they should not receive a single cent of the $6 billion released by the Biden administration. In light of Hamas’ cold-blooded atrocities, including the murder of at least 30 Americans, we cannot provide Iran with a lifeline to continue terrorizing the region. I am proud to support Rep. Steel’s common-sense legislation and will continue to advocate for America’s ally and friend, Israel.
University of Utah Research Park Act
For over five decades, the University of Utah Research Park has cultivated a one-of-a-kind ecosystem for students, innovators, and entrepreneurs, driving economic growth across the state. The Bureau of Land Management is now threatening this invaluable public-private partnership, and I’m proud to join our state’s congressional delegation to protect the ability of Utahns to benefit from this unique collaboration both today and well into the future. Read more here.
Repeal the FACE Act
Pro-life activists should not be harassed for peacefully championing the sanctity of life. The Biden administration’s abuse of the FACE Act to target pro-life organizations is yet another example of the White House weaponizing the DOJ. Repealing this law will safeguard the freedoms afforded to every American enshrined in America’s founding documents and restore oversight to the People’s House.
Access to Credit for our Rural Economy Act
Record-high inflation and skyrocketing interest rates are squeezing farmers, ranchers, and rural communities out of the housing market. The ACRE Act provides local community banks the resources to offer affordable capital for farmers to own a home, support the agricultural industry, and grow the rural economy in Utah and the nation. I am proud to support this commonsense legislation and will continue to advocate for rural communities in Congress.
Condemning the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran
For decades, the tyrannical regime of Iran has cracked down on peaceful protesters with brutality, mass executions, and torture. H.Res.627 condemns Iran’s evil actions against its own people and reaffirms America’s commitment to human rights, democracy, and political freedom in every corner of the world. I am proud to champion our nation’s resolve to stand for freedom and liberty across the globe.
Iran Nuclear Verification Act
The regime of Iran continues to cause menace and terror in the Middle East and across the globe. Without the implementation of effective monitoring and verification mechanisms of Iran’s nuclear program, the Biden administration’s resurrection of the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal will further deteriorate the instability and conflicts plaguing the region. I am proud to support the Iran Nuclear Verification Act to prevent the White House from entering an agreement with Iran that will threaten our national security and peace in the Middle East.
