Hatch Statement on the Re-Nomination of John Huber to Serve as Utah U.S. Attorney
Washington, D.C.—Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the senior Republican in the United States Senate, issued the following statement on President Trump’s decision to re-nominate John Huber to serve as United States Attorney for the District of Utah:
I was very pleased to learn that President Trump has decided to re-appoint John Huber as the United States Attorney for the District of Utah. During his tenure with the Utah U.S. Attorney’s Office, John has distinguished himself. He has been involved in the highest profile cases and coordinated tasks forces on everything from counter-terrorism to violent crime. He has been recognized at the highest levels in the Department of Justice for his performance. It is no stretch to say that Utah’s families are safer as a result of his efforts.
A proud and life-long Utahn, John received his bachelor and law degrees from the University of Utah, and spent his entire career within the state. We are very pleased that he will continue to serve as the top federal law enforcement officer in Utah. He has my full support as he continues the important work of the U.S. Attorney in the years to come.
From the White House announcement:
Since June 2015, John W. Huber has served as the United States Attorney for the District of Utah. After serving the District of Utah for nearly two years as a Presidential appointee, Attorney General Jefferson B. Sessions appointed Mr. Huber to continue his service in March 2017. Prior to being named United States Attorney, Mr. Huber served as an Assistant United States Attorney for thirteen years. Mr. Huber began his prosecutorial career in the Weber County (Utah) Attorney’s Office, and later served as the Chief Prosecutor for West Valley City, Utah, before joining the ranks of Federal prosecutors in the United States Attorney’s Office in 2002. Mr. Huber graduated with honors from the University of Utah in 1989, and later received his J.D. from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law in 1995.
===================
VIDEO: Hatch Applauds Zinke’s Bears Ears Recommendation, Thoughtful and Inclusive Review Process
Washington, D.C.—Following Secretary Zinke’s announced recommendation regarding the Bears Ears National Monument, Senator Hatch issued the following statement:
This is an unquestionable victory for Utah. While I am encouraged to see Secretary Zinke recommend diminishing the size of the monument in line with the original intent of the Antiquities Act, as envisioned by President Teddy Roosevelt and the Congress of the early 1900s, I am even more grateful for the thoughtful and inclusive process that led us to this point. Secretary Zinke heard from everyone, community leaders, conservationists, tribal leaders, from those who clearly opposed any monument to those who attempted to shout him down while he was visiting our state. This recommendation reflects a balance of our shared priorities of protecting this land and the antiquities that are found on it while still preserving local involvement, and taking into consideration the needs of the local communities.
I hope these efforts will serve as a positive blueprint for Secretary Zinke's future monument reviews, and I thank both he and President Trump for giving Utahns a voice in this process.
Timeline of Senator Hatch working with the Trump administration to give Utahns a voice in protecting Bears Ears:
Op-eds
=========================
Hatch Statement on Alexandria Shooting, Capitol Police Heroics
I’m profoundly grateful for our Capitol Police, including the members of my own security detail who work around the clock to keep Elaine and me safe.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the senior Republican in the United States Senate, issued the following statement in response to the shooting this morning, and the heroic actions of United States Capitol Police officers:
My heart is with the victims of today’s shooting, including my good friend, Representative Steve Scalise. I pray that he and the congressional staffers injured in this horrific event can recover quickly.
I shudder to think what could have happened this morning were it not for the quick action taken by our Capitol Police officers. Every day, these courageous men and women risk their own wellbeing to ensure the safety of others—and they do so with little fanfare or recognition. I’m profoundly grateful for our Capitol Police, including the members of my own security detail who work around the clock to keep Elaine and me safe.
Note: Senator Hatch has been monitoring the events from his Senate office, where he has been since 6:30 this morning with his Capitol Police detail.
==============================
Hatch Praises Capitol Police Officers After Alexandria Shooting
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following this morning’s shooting in Alexandria, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the senior Republican in the United States Senate, paid tribute on the Senate floor to the brave men and women that serve in the United States Capitol Police Department, including the 23 officers who serve on his protective security detail.
In light of today’s events, I would like to recognize, in particular, the special sacrifice of our US Capitol Police Officers—the selfless men and women who, every day, assume significant risks to keep us safe.
I shudder to think what may have happened this morning were it not for the quick action taken by Representative Scalise’s security detail. These courageous special agents returned fire to apprehend the perpetrator of this senseless and appalling act of violence. Through their heroic actions, they prevented a massacre, saving the lives of dozens of elected Members of Congress and congressional staff.
Today, I wish to pay special tribute to these humble heroes. As far as I’m concerned, our Capitol Police officers are the finest professionals this nation has to offer.
Senator Hatch also paid tribute to the 24 members of his Capitol Police detail by name:
In paying tribute to our Capitol Police, I would be remiss if I failed to recognize the 23 members of my own security detail who work around the clock to keep Elaine and me safe. These men and women are like family to me. Over the past two and a half years, I’ve built a special bond with each of them.
Today, I would like to recognize each of them individually:
Supervisory Special Agent David Rib, who leads the detail with assistance from team leaders Jason Marcello and Shane Powell;
In addition, Special Agents Eric Boggs, John Britto, Jacqueline French, Eric Holzer, Eric Love, Paul Martin, Ronald Munar, Benjamin Odell, Richard Philius, Luis Pimentel, Ryan Rayball, Austin Reinshuttle, Henry Smith, John Whittle, Micah Harrison, Muhammed Khan, Gideon Maran, Arnold Pierre, Robert Schultz, and Charles Snead.
Mr. President, in all my years of public service, these are among the most honorable men and women I have ever worked with.
The full speech, as prepared for delivery, is below:
Mr. President, I rise today to express my deepest sympathy for the victims of this morning’s shooting, including my good friend, Representative Steve Scalise. I pray that he, the congressional staff, and police officers who were injured in this horrific event can recover quickly.
Mr. President, today is a not a day to reflect on our differences but on our common commitment to upholding the Constitution and doing the work of the American people. This chamber is often divided on matters of policy. But in the face of tragedy, we are united as one.
Today, we are together. And together, we recognize the local law enforcement officials who responded quickly and professionally to this morning’s attack. Each and every day, police officers across this great nation risk their own wellbeing to ensure the safety of others—and they do so with little fanfare or recognition.
In light of today’s events, I would like to recognize, in particular, the special sacrifice of our US Capitol Police Officers—the selfless men and women who, every day, assume significant risks to keep us safe.
I shudder to think what may have happened this morning were it not for the quick action taken by Representative Scalise’s security detail. These courageous special agents returned fire to apprehend the perpetrator of this senseless and appalling act of violence. Through their heroic actions, they prevented a massacre, saving the lives of dozens of elected Members of Congress and congressional staff.
Today, I wish to pay special tribute to these humble heroes. As far as I’m concerned, our Capitol Police officers are the finest professionals this nation has to offer.
We waive to them each morning as we walk into work.
We say goodbye to them each night as we leave.
We interact with them every day.
But how often do we thank them for their service?
How often do we reflect on the weight of their work?
How often do we recognize them for their sacrifice?
Mr. President, not often enough.
Because these police officers are such a common presence here on Capitol Hill, I worry that, all too often, we take them for granted. But we should never take for granted the men and women who would willingly give up their lives to protect ours.
Mr. President, this morning’s attack reminds us of the thin line between peace and violence. And our Capitol Police officers are the first to respond when that line is crossed. Today—and every day—these selfless men and women deserve our heartfelt thanks and appreciation.
In paying tribute to our Capitol Police, I would be remiss if I failed to recognize the 23 members of my own security detail who work around the clock to keep Elaine and me safe. These men and women are like family to me. Over the past two and a half years, I’ve built a special bond with each of them.
Today, I would like to recognize each of them individually:
Supervisory Special Agent David Rib, who leads the detail with assistance from team leaders Jason Marcello and Shane Powell;
In addition, Special Agents Eric Boggs, John Britto, Jacqueline French, Eric Holzer, Eric Love, Paul Martin, Ronald Munar, Benjamin Odell, Richard Philius, Luis Pimentel, Ryan Rayball, Austin Reinshuttle, Henry Smith, John Whittle, Micah Harrison, Muhammed Khan, Gideon Maran, Arnold Pierre, Robert Schultz, and Charles Snead.
Mr. President, in all my years of public service, these are among the most honorable men and women I have ever worked with.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. The fact these special agents are willing to put their lives on the line to protect my own speaks to their selflessness, their bravery, and their love of country.
Elaine and I love each of these special agents deeply, and we love their families too. In these photos, you can see one of the team leaders, Jason, hard at work. Jason hates this photo, which is why I blew it up for national TV.
The other photo is of a trip I took to all five of Utah’s National Parks last year. During this trip, my security detail was with me every step of the way. These men and women never leave my side, and today I wish to thank them—with all my heart—for their service and their sacrifice.
Mr. President, as Members of Congress we stand united in the aftermath of today’s attack. And thanks to our brave Capitol Police Officers, we also stand protected from those who would do us harm. Because of them, we can confidently carry on the work of the American people.
I yield the floor.
=====================
