Hatch Statement on the Nomination of Scott Pruitt to Serve as EPA Administrator
Washington, DC—Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, issued the following statement on the nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency:
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[Message clipped] View entire message
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Hatch Invites LDS Apostle to open Senate Floor, Share Testimony of the Book of Mormon before Members of Congress
Washington, DC—Acting in his role as President Pro Tempore, Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, invited Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to join him in opening the Senate floor with a prayer. Elder Christofferson is the first LDS Apostle in United States history to offer an invocation on the Senate Floor. Hatch also invited Elder Christofferson to bear testimony of the Book of Mormon at the Library of Congress in an event honoring the book’s special place among influential works of American literature.
On Elder Christofferson’s prayer, Hatch said, "As President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, I was eager to ask Elder Christofferson to offer our invocation and grateful that he accepted my invitation. This was a historical moment for the Church and a proud occasion for many people in Utah.”
Invocation Video Available Via YouTube
When introducing Elder Christofferson to speak before a group of scholars, legislators, and leaders of other faiths assembled at the Library of Congress, Senator Hatch said, “Elder Christofferson is a dear friend whom I respect deeply. Before turning the time over to him, I wish to emphasize the importance of his apostolic calling. The rank of apostle is one of the highest Priesthood offices in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Just as in New Testament times, an apostle is called to be a special witness of Jesus Christ. Elder D. Todd Christofferson has fulfilled this calling admirably for nearly a decade. He is beloved by millions of members of our church—both here in the United States and across the globe. Having devoted the greater part of his life teaching others about Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon, he is remarkably qualified to speak on this subject today.”
Video of the Full Event—Via YouTube (apologies for the poor sound quality)
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Hatch Statement on Meeting with HHS Secretary Nominee Rep. Tom Price
“it’s clear Tom is a bright and capable lawmaker whose personal experience as a doctor and public servant has allowed him to develop an encyclopedic understanding of the challenges plaguing the nation’s health care system.”
WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) met with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Nominee U.S. Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) in his office in the U.S. Capitol and issued the following statement:
“We already know that Obamacare has been a dead drag on the American economy. And, after my meeting today, it’s clear Tom is a bright and capable lawmaker whose personal experience as a doctor and public servant has allowed him to develop an encyclopedic understanding of the challenges plaguing the nation’s health care system. From skyrocketing premiums to higher taxes and fewer choices, American families, seniors, and job creators have had to bear the brunt of the health law. Tom is well equipped to take on the challenge of unraveling the damage that has been done and working with Congress to implement common-sense, patient-focused reforms that will reduce health care costs and increase access to affordable, high-quality care. I look forward to working with Tom to ensure a speedy and fair vetting and confirmation process that will allow for the timely approval by the full Senate.”
Background: The U.S. Senate, as is its role under the Constitution, carefully, thoroughly and fairly vets and scrutinizes the President’s nominees. Each nominee that moves through the Senate Finance Committee will undergo the same bipartisan vetting process as the nominees from previous administrations. Traditionally, each nominee is required to submit a questionnaire as well as full copies of their tax returns to the Committee for review. Once the internal vetting process is completed, the Finance Committee will schedule a date for a confirmation hearing. The Senate Finance Committee recognizes the need for a seamless transition between administrations and will act in a swift and thorough manner to clear the nominees in the Committee to ensure a timely consideration by the full Senate.
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