ANNUAL REPORT

SENATOR MIKE LEE

PUBLISHED 2024
 CONTENTS

07 25 52
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS RELIGIOUS LIBERTY GOVERNMENT
SURVEILLANCE REFORM
10 28 ACT
MESSAGE FROM SEN. LEE HARMFUL GENDER
RESEARCH 54
14
THE FEDERAL BUDGET 32
RESTORING
CONGRESSIONAL POWER OFFICES OF SENATOR MIKE LEE
ANTIQUITIES ACT ABUSES IN FOREIGN POLICY
16 Salt Lake City Washington DC
BORDER SECURITY 34 62 Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building 363 Russell Senate Office Building
HOUSES ACT SPONSORED LEGISLATION 125 South State Street, Suite 4225 Washington, DC 20510
20 Salt Lake City, UT 84138 (202) 224-5444
(801) 524-5933
GREAT SALT LAKE 40 76
100 YEARS OF BRYCE INTERNING Ogden Vernal St. George
22 CANYON James V. Hansen Federal Building Vernal City Hall Washington County Building
U OF U RESEARCH PARK 80 324 25th Street, Suite 1410 374 East Main Street, Suite 261 111 East Tabernacle, Suite 324
Ogden, UT 84401 Vernal, UT 84078 St. George, UT 84770
ACT 44 MEET SEN. LEE'S STATE (435) 628-5514
(801) 392-9633 (435) 503-9335
MILITARY STAFF
24
SUPREME COURT 50
FORMULA 3.0
Mobile Office locations available at www.lee.senate.gov/mobile-office
 ANNUAL REPORT
To the State Legislature and the People of Utah

Each year, I deliver my annual

report to the people of Utah
and their lawmakers. This
report is to keep Utahns
informed of my efforts over the
last year fighting for our values
in the United States Senate.

4
 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
118th CONGRESS

Judiciary Committee - This committee oversees the Department of Justice, including portions of
the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Trade Commission. The committee
also provides advice and consent for all judicial appointments, executive nominations, immigration
and naturalization, patents, copyrights and trademarks, antitrust law, trade protections, and civil
liberties.
• Ranking Member of Subcommittee on Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights
• Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts
• Subcommittee on the Constitution

Energy & Natural Resources Committee - This committee oversees federal coal, oil, gas, and
mineral leasing, territorial policy, public lands, and water resources.
• Ranking Member of Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining
• Subcommittee on Energy
• Subcommittee on Water and Power

Budget Committee - This committee oversees the drafting of Congress’s budget plans and
monitors and enforces the rules surrounding spending, revenue, and the federal budget.

Joint Economic Committee - This committee is a research arm of the government that advises
Congress on economic conditions and recommends improvements in economic policy. Sen. Lee
oversees the JEC Social Capital Project.

6 7
 Sen. Lee meets with students in the Russell Sen. Lee speaks with the Sutherland Institute Sen. Lee speaks with Americans for Prosperity's Utah
Sen. Lee holds a town hall in Lehi Sen. Lee meets with Utahns in Washington DC Rotunda in Washington DC at the University of Utah Chapter Sen. Lee holds town hall at Merit Medical

Sens. Ricketts, Lee, Cornyn, Barrasso, and Cruz Sen. Lee meets with students from Orem High School's Sen. Lee meets with Utahns Business leaders in
tour US-Mexico Border Sen. Lee speaks with Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren Sen. Lee tours JBT AeroTech Latinos in Action Sen. Lee meets with Bryce Canyon Officials Washington DC

Sen. Lee and his wife Sharon, in Israel with IDF Sen. Lee meets with a Utah family during a Mobile
Sen. Lee pays tribute to Utah vererans Sen. Lee speaks in support of Israel Sen. Lee meets with state legislators soldiers over Thanksgiving Sen. Lee pays tribute to Rep. Chris Stewart Office visit

8 9
Sen.Sen.
Lee Lee speaking
speaks to Therapeutics
at Halia BYU's Federalist Society Sen. Lee meets with Utah students in Washington DC

FROM SENATOR LEE

I’m honored to continue serving as your senator and Congress must work to reclaim its Constitutionally-
grateful for the trust you've placed in me. The beginning mandated powers and ensure that our nation remains a
of a new Congress brings a fresh opportunity to restore beacon of freedom, prosperity, and opportunity. Many
and renew our nation's founding principles. challenges lie ahead, but I remain committed to working
and fighting for the issues that matter to the people of
During my time in office, the power and influence of Utah.
the executive branch has increased, while Congress
continues to delegate its constitutional authority to I'm committed to standing up for Utah against
unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats. This unchecked relentless encroachments on the Second Amendment.
power creates dangerous consequences, not just for I'm committed to defending religious liberty so Utahns
Congress, but for Utah and the nation. can continue to worship and live their faith according to
their sincerely held beliefs. I'm committed to promoting
When Congress abdicates its duty, it neglects the needs fiscal responsibility so we don't shackle our children
of Utahns. Balance and accountability must be restored with unbearable debt. Above all, I'm committed
to the legislative branch. This includes reforming the to upholding my oath to preserve and defend the
spending process and restoring fiscal responsibility, Constitution.
ensuring Utahns aren’t subjected to these record-high
inflationary cycles driven by reckless government I look forward to continuing to serve you in the 118th
spending. Congress.

10 11
Sen. Lee speaks at a town hall in Lehi
 SEN. LEE'S
SOCIAL MEDIA
TWITTER:
@SENMIKELEE

FACEBOOK:
/SENATORMIKELEE

INSTAGRAM:
@SENMIKELEE

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:
bit.ly/SenLeeNewsletter

WEBSITE:
lee.senate.gov
12 13
 Each year, Congress is constitutionally required to
pass 12 separate appropriations bills to fund the
government. Unfortunately, this rarely happens
because there aren’t incentive structures in place
to pass those bills in a timely fashion. These 12
appropriations bills account for less than one-third of
total annual government spending. The rest of federal
spending - mandatory spending and net interest
payments on the national debt - grow on autopilot
absent changes from Congress.
Often, Republican and Democratic leadership teams
in the House and the Senate craft a massive omnibus
spending bill that rolls all 12 appropriations bills into
one consolidated spending bill presented at the last
minute before a government shutdown.
Typically, these omnibus bills are written in secret by
handpicked appropriators before they are seen by the
public and members of Congress, sometimes days or
hours before a scheduled shutdown.
This broken system never benefits the American public
but is carefully orchestrated to ensure these omnibus
14
bills pass without any substantive changes and adds
pressure on Members to pass continuing resolutions
that maintain the status quo.
It is this broken process that has led us to become
over $34,000,000,000,000 in debt and why Sen.
Lee has been actively fighting to change the broken
budgeting process in Washington.
For the first time since World War II, the federal public
debt has reached 100% of GDP, meaning the federal
government owes more than it collects in yearly
revenue. That number is projected to double to 200%
by 2050. Net interest payments on the national debt
exceeded $700 B last fiscal year, and is now projected
to exceed total annual defense spending in five years,
if not sooner.
Sen. Lee has repeatedly introduced the Balanced
BUDGET
Budget Amendment Proposal. Throughout his time in
Congress, he has never voted for any of the omnibus
spending bills.
15
 BORDER SECURITY

Sen. Lee addresses reporters at the Rio Grande Sens. Ricketts, Lee, Cornyn, Barrasso, and Cruz tour Southern Border

Illegal border crossing reached The issue, as members of the concerned about indentured border are sexually abused on their The Stopping Border Surges Act Sen. Lee has also cosponsored
the highest number ever recorded Border Patrol told Sen. Lee, isn’t servitude for men and women who journey. The Biden administration would: several bills that address various
during the fiscal year of 2023, with funding but bad policy, specifically have paid cartels and coyotes to has lost contact with 85,000 aspects of the immigration crisis
2.4 million apprehensions, topping as it relates to their ability to bring them to the US illegally. unaccompanied minors. Protect against the exploitation of at our southern border, including
the previous record of 2.3 million apprehend those who cross our unaccompanied minors; The Southern Border Transparency
apprehensions in 2022. border illegally. During his congressional delegation While there are complex issues at Act, the End Child Trafficking
tour Sen. Lee discovered that play on the border and with our Require better vetting of those who Now Act, the Border Safety and
The system is broken, and so is The crisis at the border is not only a Brooks County, Texas routinely immigration system, President take custody of these children; Security Act, the Immigration
the border. Sen. Lee has long national security risk, but a massive pays upwards of $800,000 a year Biden and Secretary Mayorkas Parole Reform Act, and the
advocated for both securing the humanitarian crisis. As of October to bury the bodies of those who could resolve many issues if they Require asylum applicants to seek Accountability through Electronic
southern border and fixing the 2023, 169 individuals with positive died trying to cross into the United simply enforced existing laws. To refuge in the first safe country Verification Act.
lengthy and expensive immigration terrorism watchlist matches tried to States. combat the crisis at the border, Sen. which they enter;
system. This year, Sen. Lee spent cross the southern border into the Lee has introduced the Stopping
time in the Rio Grande Valley with a United States. Doctors Without Borders has Border Surges Act, a bill that Addresses loopholes in our asylum
number of his colleagues, seeing up repeatedly told Congress that, at a addresses loopholes in immigration process to discourage those
close the issues the United States During a trip to the border, Sen. minimum, an estimated 30% of the law that drive the surges at our without legitimate asylum claims
Border Patrol faces. Lee heard from Border Patrol young women and children who borders. from entering the country illegally.
agents that they are increasingly make the trek across the southern

16 17
 END BIDEN'S WEAK BORDER POLICIES BY PASSING
THIS COMMONSENSE SECURITY MEASURE
Originally Published by Fox News on June 27
It’s no secret that President Biden
and Homeland Security Secretary
Alejandro Mayorkas have presided
over a national security and
humanitarian crisis at our nation’s
southern border. In the week leading
up to the expiration of Title 42, Border
Patrol saw more than 11,000 migrants
crossing the border illegally each day
– the highest single daily totals ever
recorded.
18
Over the course of Biden’s presidency,
we’ve seen over 6.3 million illegal
border crossings, including 1.3 million
known got-aways. This doesn’t even
account for those who crossed
undetected.
We knew that the end of Title 42,
without increased enforcement, would
send a message to the world that
our southern border is wide open for
those waiting to make the trip.
Instead of turning migrants away,
President Biden made it clear that his
solution to our overcrowded border
facilities is releasing migrants into the
country without court dates or the
ability to track them.
In fact, President Biden’s plan to
address the ongoing surge at the
border is not to stop inadmissible
people from making the journey here,
but to manage their flow.
Under this administration all
inadmissible immigrants are more
than welcome – regardless of their
likelihood of having a lawful path
forward once they are here. The only
concern this administration has is
optics; it is giving illegal, inadmissible
entrants the trappings of legality –
whether through unlawful parole or
the use of an app—just to manage the
illegal flow and hide the truth from the
American people.
This ongoing surge will include
criminals, drug traffickers and
terrorists. None of which will
be encumbered from entering
our country under the Biden
administration’s policies.
These weak border policies aren’t
only impacting border communities
– when our laws are ignored, every
state becomes a border state. States
like Montana and Utah have seen
an unprecedented flood of drugs
and crime under President Biden’s
leadership.
The Drug Enforcement
Administration’s Rocky Mountain
Division, which covers Colorado,
Montana, Utah and Wyoming, seized
over 5.8 million potentially deadly
doses of fentanyl in 2022. That’s
enough to kill the entire population
of Montana five times. Yet, Secretary
Mayorkas continues to lie to Congress
by claiming that he has operational
control of the border.
Data from the CDC suggests that
overdose deaths have climbed every
and stop the import of illegals to the
United States on an industrial scale.
year that President Biden has been
in office. And yet, these wide-open
It also directs the completion of
President Trump’s southern border
border policies have allowed China wall.
and the cartels to saturate our nation
with deadly fentanyl. This is an attack President Biden has demonstrated
on the American people. that he’s more than happy to let
the chaos at the border fester and
In addition to compromising their leave border communities to fend for
safety, taxpayers are forced to foot themselves. The GOP is committed
the ever-increasing costs associated to ending the border crisis. The
with the border crisis. According Secure the Border Act delivers by
to a study by the Federation for adding more agents, updating border
American Immigration Reform, enforcement technology, and ending
American taxpayers pay nearly $162 the administration’s disastrous catch-
billion yearly for services and benefits and-release policy.
provided to illegal immigrants. We
can’t afford to take care of migrants This can’t wait – now is the time the
while American families deal with Senate to pass and the president to
inflation and our government faces a sign into law the Secure the Border
$32 trillion debt that is projected to Act to strengthen our southern border
reach $36 trillion by 2025. and protect American families.
What we’ve been seeing at the border
in recent weeks must be addressed
immediately. House Republicans took Scan to see more
from Sen. Lee's
action on the same day Title 42 was
set to expire and passed H.R.2, the trip to the border
Secure the Border Act. This landmark
legislation would reinstate Trump-
era immigration policies and return
commonsense leadership to the
border issue.
Among the key reforms in the Secure
Border Act are provisions that
prevent abuse of our asylum and
parole laws, end the exploitation of
unaccompanied immigrant children, 19
 Utah is home to the largest saltwater lake in the include the entire Great Salt Lake drainage basin and

GREAT SALT LAKE

Western Hemisphere. A direct descendant of the allows unexpended budget authority available under
prehistoric Lake Bonneville that covered much of the CUPCA to be used for water conservation efforts.
state, the Great Salt Lake significantly impacts 80%
of Utahns who live along the Wasatch Front. The bill would grant the Secretary of the Interior the

STEWARDSHIP ACT
flexibility to allocate unexpended budget authority
That’s why Sen. Lee introduced the Great Salt from other sections of CUPCA towards the existing
Lake proStewardship Act, critical legislation that water conservation program. By expanding the
addresses the dire ecological crisis facing the Great geographic coverage of the program to include the
Salt Lake. entire Great Salt Lake drainage basin, the bill aims
to support the efforts of the state of Utah, local
The Great Salt Lake is the cornerstone of the region's communities, and water districts north of Salt Lake
ecology and economy, but it faces severe drought County in conserving water use and replenishing
conditions threatening its long-term existence. the lake. By utilizing unexpended budget authority,
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Great we can maximize our conservation efforts without
Salt Lake Stewardship Act proposes the expansion of placing an additional burden on taxpayers.
the existing water conservation program under the
Central Utah Project Completion Act (CUPCA) to

20 21
 UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Research Park is a center for research and development that
serves both the University of Utah and the surrounding workforce. RESEARCH PARK ACT
Research Park was built on land transferred to the University by
the Bureau of Land Management in 1968. Since then, it has grown
to house over 50 companies and organizations. Those businesses
now employ nearly 14,000 people, and generate millions in annual
economic activity.

Despite Research Park’s success, a reversionary clause in the

original transferral threatens the park’s future and could allow the
federal government to take control of the land and displace the
workers and businesses there.

Sen. Lee introduced the University of Utah Research Park Act,

which would preserve the park and avoid action by the BLM to
repurpose the land.

The bill passed out of the Energy and Natural Resources

Committee on a unanimous vote, and will now be considered by
the full Senate body.

22 23

SUPREME COURT
The Founders created a government with twin
protections against the consolidation of power— the
vertical protection of federalism and the horizontal
protection of separation of powers.
Over the last year, attacks from the executive and
legislative branches sought to undermine public
confidence in the Supreme Court. These attacks are
not new but have escalated.
This led to several justices receiving death threats,
and in one instance, a man traveled across the country
to assassinate Justice Kavanaugh and his family in
their home. When he turned himself into the police,
they discovered he had a target list naming two other
justices.
Protests have erupted outside the homes of the
justices, which violates 18 USC § 1507, prohibiting
“interfering with, obstructing, or impeding the
administration of justice, or with the
24
intent of influencing any judge, juror, witness, or court
officer, in the discharge of his duty, pickets or parades
in or near a building housing a court of the United
States, or in or near a building or residence occupied
or used by such judge, juror, witness, or court officer.”
Even senators sought to intimidate the justices
and influence their opinions. In March of 2023, 15
senators signed a letter requesting that appropriators
withhold $10 million from the Court until they adopt a
Democrat-created code of ethics. This raises serious
separation of powers concerns. Not coincidentally,
$10 million is the same amount the Court requested
for security.
Sen. Lee has been a staunch advocate for the Court’s
independence and neutrality. The rule of law, rather
than the rule of individuals, protects the American
people from the excessive accumulation of power in
the hands of the few.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
This year, the Supreme Court decided a landmark
religious liberty case, 303 Creative v. Elenis. Lorie
Smith, the owner of the design studio 303 Creative,
challenged a Colorado law that would force her to
create and design websites that contradicted her
personal religious convictions. The US Court of
Appeals for the Tenth Circuit ruled against Lorie,
holding that Colorado could force her to create
websites promoting messages contradicting her
beliefs about marriage.
Ms. Smith appealed her case to the Supreme Court.
Sen. Lee joined an amicus brief to the Supreme Court
advocating against the forced creative expression
required by the Colorado law. The Court held that
the First Amendment prohibits the government from
forcing individuals to creatively express messages
with which they disagree.
Cathedral of the Madeleine, Salt Lake City
This year, the Supreme Court also heard Groff
v. DeJoy. Gerald Groff was an employee of the
United States Postal Service (USPS) and sincerely
believes that the Sabbath day should be kept holy.
USPS accommodated Mr. Groff’s religious belief by
exempting him from Sunday deliveries so that he
could observe the Sabbath. However, USPS eventually
withdrew the accommodation and required Groff to
work on the Sabbath day. The US Court of Appeals
for the Third Circuit found that while USPS had failed
to provide Groff with a reasonable accommodation,
it was not required to do so because it would have
caused undue hardship to USPS.
Sen. Lee joined an amicus brief asking the Court to
adopt a definition of “undue hardship” consistent
with laws passed by Congress. The Supreme Court,
in a rare unanimous decision, adopted a definition of
“undue hardship” that requires a substantial increase
in costs to the employer.
Cathedral of the Madeline in Salt Lake City
25
Historic Eureka United Methodist Church
OUR RIGHT TO RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
REQUIRES CEASELESS DEFENSE
Originally published in the Deseret News Oct 26, 2023
It’s a cause that began before America
was even a glimmer in the eyes of
our Founding Fathers. The early
settlers who set foot on these shores
brought with them dreams of a new
life. Their hope was not just for wealth
or opportunity, but the simple dream
to pray and exercise their religion in
peace.
The ink was barely dry on our
Declaration of Independence when
Jefferson, Madison, Franklin and
others realized that the heartbeat of
this nation would be its unwavering
26
commitment to religious freedom.
Their vision, crystallized in the First
Amendment, became a cornerstone of
our great Republic.
As our nation expanded, so did our
embrace of religious freedom. We
saw faith not as a monolith, but as
a diverse, dynamic force shaping
communities from the bustling streets
of New York to the serene valleys of
Utah.
The 19th century, marked by the
leadership of figures like Andrew
Jackson, saw waves of immigrants
bringing new faiths to our shores.
Tensions rose and intolerance raised its
ugly head, but America’s commitment
to religious liberty proved resilient.
In reflecting on our nation’s rich
history of religious freedom, I am
reminded of the experiences of
my own ancestors and countless
others who shared their faith. The
early members of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
encountered intense persecution in
America.
Utah stands as a beacon of their
enduring spirit; it was where these
determined individuals, led by Brigham
Young, sought refuge and a land
where they could practice their faith
without oppression. Their story is not
just a chapter in my personal history,
but a chapter in the story of America;
it serves as a profound reminder of
the lengths to which people will go to
ensure religious liberty for themselves
and their posterity.
Today, as we stand at the crossroads
of history, the onus to protect this
indispensable freedom rests firmly
with us.
We must remember our roots, stand
firm in our convictions and ensure
that the promise of religious freedom
remains unbroken for generations to
come. Each generation inherits the
responsibility of ensuring that these
liberties are not merely retained but
invigorated.
Our Founding Fathers grappled with
a fledgling government, striving to
ensure that it would not infringe upon
the religious rights of its citizens. Fast
forward to today, and the landscape
has dramatically shifted. Our federal
government has evolved, expanding in
both size and reach. Its astronomical
growth has presented us with fresh
obstacles to overcome.
Imagine, for a moment, a city skyline.
Tall buildings stand strong, each
representing different sects of our
religious beliefs and institutions.
And then there’s Godzilla — a
massive, mighty force. Now, Godzilla,
in our analogy, is not inherently
malevolent. But he is enormous,
he is powerful, and he is, at times,
carelessly destructive. That behemoth
represents our federal government.
And as Godzilla might inadvertently
knock down a building, our federal
government, if unchecked, can trample
on the sacred grounds of our religious
freedoms.
Today, that once-restrained and limited none other than Congressman Chuck
central government has grown to a
scale that those early patriots could
have never imagined. It’s become our
Godzilla. It is not inherently evil, but then. As the threats to religious
its sheer size and the breadth of its
influence means it can tread on the
very freedoms we hold dear — and
often does.
Amid this backdrop of a burgeoning
governmental presence, it is
imperative to revisit the core tenets
that anchor our nation.
The free exercise clause of the First
Amendment is no mere sentence in a
document; it’s the very cornerstone
of our nation’s foundation. It
states: “Congress shall make no
law respecting an establishment
of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof ...”
It’s a right that acknowledges the
inherent dignity of every individual to
live according to the dictates of their
conscience and faith. Our Founding
Fathers did not craft the First
Amendment to hide religion, but to
ensure its free exercise in every corner
of our society.
Many can still remember 1993, when
the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
passed the Senate 97 to 3. It passed
the House of Representatives by voice
vote — completely uncontroversial.
It was sponsored in the House by
Schumer.
But the landscape has evolved since
freedom become more nuanced, our
defense must be equally adaptive.
We must act to protect those with
sincerely held religious beliefs and
moral convictions on marriage and
human nature, ensuring that they are
not persecuted for living in keeping
with their convictions.
Remember that our right to religious
freedom is precious and precarious.
It requires our ceaseless defense
and our unwavering commitment.
Together, we’ll ensure that the
skyline of religious freedom remains
untouched, vibrant and resplendent
for generations to come.
27
 HARMFUL GENDER
RESEARCH
This year, Sen. Lee introduced the Protecting Our Kids from Harmful
Research Act which would prohibit federal funding of gender transition
research on minors. He was joined by Sens. James Lankford (R-OK), Josh
Hawley (R-MO), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-
TX), Mike Braun (R-IN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Marco Rubio (R-FL).

In 2015, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded taxpayer-funded

grant money to four pediatric clinics to conduct research in a study titled
"The Impact of Early Medical Treatment in Transgender Youth." Reports
showed the study included children as young as 8 years old. Congress did
not direct this study, and it appears that one of the clinics participating may
have fraudulently used those awarded funds to perform double-mastectomies
on girls as young as 13. This study was renewed in 2021 for up to 4 additional
years to evaluate and monitor the effects of puberty blockers and opposite
sex hormones on participants.

Medical interventions to transition gender are experimental, irreversible,

and often fail to produce the intended effects of improving patients’ mental
health. This bill, would prohibit federal funding from being used in research
or publications that seek to establish or affirm gender identities that are
incongruent with a minor’s biological sex.

A growing number of well-respected medical groups in the United States and

abroad, including the American College of Pediatricians, the Royal College
of General Practitioners in the United Kingdom, and the Swedish National
Council for Medical Ethics have denounced these so-called treatments as
experimental and dangerous.

28 29
 UINTA BASIN HISTORIC
RAILWAY ROADWAYS
Signage reminding vehicles to remain on the road

Utah is home to some of the most beautiful

landscapes in the United States. Two-thirds of the
land is owned by the Bureau of Land Management
and managed under the Federal Lands Policy
The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
Management Act (FLPMA).
reversed a permit that would have allowed 85 miles of A historic corral near closed roads in Grand County
new track to connect the Uinta Basin to the national
The BLM is required by FLPMA to develop, maintain,
railway system.
and revise resource management plans (RMPs) and
the associated travel management plans (TMPs)
Sen. Lee has been active in securing approvals for the
periodically to ensure ongoing effective land
project and worked closely with the Seven County
management strategy. That planning was updated in
Infrastructure Coalition, the Rio Grande Pacific
2008 and challenged by groups based on the BLM’s
Railroad, and the Ute Indian Tribe to secure the Record
off-road vehicle use. In September, the BLM released a
of Decision for the UBR Project last year.
new TMP for the Labyrinth Canyon and Gemini Bridges A closed road in Labyrinth Canyon

area near Moab that closes 317 miles of roads. 114 of

Currently, the only way to export the high-quality
the 317 miles of closed roads were built under Revised
crude oil found in the Basin is through tanker trucks
Statute 2477 to help encourage western settlement.
across the few roads out of the Basin.
That law was repealed in 1976, but Section 701 of
FLPMA preserved all R.S. 2477 rights-of-way (ROWs)
for public use.
Sen. Lee meets with planners and stakeholders for the Uinta Basin Railway

Sen. Lee introduced the Historic Roadways Protection Congressional staff gets an update on historic road closures in Grand County

Act to ensure that Utahns have access to the roads

that helped settle the west and their home state. This
bill prevents the BLM from closing any R.S. 2477 roads
until all legal actions have been resolved. The BLM
should not be allowed to close historically significant
roads while the jurisdiction of the roads is in question.
30 31
A closed RS2477 road in Grand County
 ANTIQUITIES ACT ABUSES This Congress, Sen. Lee introduced a bill to require congressional approval for new Antiquities
Act designations.

The Antiquities Act of 1906 was intended to be a tool to protect archaeological resources on
public lands. Over the years, however, there have been instances where the Act's language
has been used to unilaterally designate vast amounts of public land as national monuments
without sufficient public input or congressional oversight.

The text is clear: the Antiquites Act may only be used to protect historic landmarks, structures,
and objects of historic or scientific interest, and that monument thus created must be
the “smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be
protected.”

New monument designations have locked up millions of acres, far exceeding the original
intention of the Act. Sen. Lee designed his bill to balance and clarify this process while
respecting the need to honor our historic legacy.

Presidents have failed to limit monument designations, creating monuments covering

enormous swaths of land that cannot be adequately managed or protected. For example,
President Clinton designated 1.7 million acres in Utah as the Grand Staircase-Escalante
National Monument – an area 100,000 acres larger than the state of Delaware.

President Obama designated another 1.36 million acres as the Bears Ears National Monument.
President Biden designated 917,600 acres in northern Arizona as a national monument despite
fierce local opposition.

32 33
 The federal government owns over
two-thirds of Utah's land, making it
second only to Nevada in terms of
federal land ownership percentage.
This vast federal ownership
leaves limited space for housing
and essential community needs,
restricting communities to small
islands of private land amid a sea
of federally owned land. Sen. Lee
has reintroduced the Helping Open
Underutilized Space to Ensure
Shelter (HOUSES) Act to alleviate
housing constraints across the
West.
In 2021, it was $979. Today, that
payment is $2,059. It costs a family
almost $13,000 more per year to
live in the same house than it did
two and a half years ago.
Home prices rapidly increased over
the last five decades, eclipsing the
inflation rate by 150% since 1970. If
home prices grew at the same rate
as inflation since 1970, the median
home price today would be just
$177,788 rather than $408,100.
In 2021, the states with the highest
increases in home prices year
over year were not coincidentally,
lands within or adjacent to city
boundaries to be used for housing
supply.
This proposal requires housing
development to occur only next
to existing sewer infrastructure,
with stipulations to prevent the
development of luxury second
homes. The land will also be subject
to a housing density requirement,
ensuring that the land serves
essential residential and community
needs.
By allowing federal lands to
be purchased at a reduced
In Utah, there are almost 23
million acres of federal land that
happen to be managed by the
Bureau of Land Management in
the state, accounting for 43.24%
of the total land in the state.
Typical home prices in Utah have
increased by 89% just over the
last five years, 89% in five years.
If just 1% of the acreage in Utah
managed by the Bureau of Land
Management were made available
for housing under the Houses Act,
at least 774,000 additional homes
could be built.
According to a recent study by
the Joint Economic Committee,
the HOUSES act would lead to the
construction of 207 million homes
in the US, alleviating 14% of the Scan to see more about
nation’s housing shortage. the HOUSES Act
This report demonstrates that if
passed, the HOUSES Act could
fill all, or nearly all, of the housing
shortage in Arizona, Nevada,
Wyoming, Idaho, Alaska, and New
Mexico, and would fill a substantial
share of the housing shortage in
Montana, Oregon, Utah, California,
Colorado, and Washington.

Utah's rich history and natural
beauty have attracted many people
who choose to settle and raise their
families here. Yet, the dream of
homeownership is slipping away for
many as housing prices soar and
supply fails to meet demand.
Over the last few years, housing
prices in Utah have dramatically
increased, with average home
prices skyrocketing since 2015.
A significant contributor to this
scarcity is the federal ownership of
vast tracts of land.
The monthly mortgage payment
on a median-price home has more
than doubled in just two years.
34
Arizona at 28.8%, Idaho at 28.7%,
and Utah at 24.5%. This comes
as no surprise to us in the West.
The federal government owns
an obscenely large percentage
of our land in Utah. The federal
government owns about 67% of all
the land in Utah.
The nationwide housing shortage,
exceeding 5 million homes, is
particularly pronounced in Western
states.
The HOUSES Act proposes
a solution by enabling local
communities to nominate small
tracts of run-of-the-mill Bureau of
Land Management (BLM)-managed
HOUSES ACT
price, the bill provides local
governments the flexibility needed
to address affordable housing
needs effectively, while ensuring
environmental protection.
This would be regular BLM land,
and there are explicit provisions
in the bill that exclude lands with
special designations, such as
national monuments, wilderness
areas, or national recreation
areas, from being nominated. It
prohibits second homes, focuses on
affordability, and mandates that at
least 85% of the land be dedicated
for residential purposes and the
community’s related needs.
35

A walk down any residential
street in Salt Lake City, Provo
or even St. George reveals the
signs of a housing market under
strain. “For Sale” signs disappear
almost as quickly as they appear,
with houses selling at prices that
were unthinkable just a decade
ago. Young couples, eager to
start their lives and plant roots
in the communities they love,
find themselves priced out of the
market.
Long-time residents hoping to
downsize or relocate discover
that their options are limited. This
housing predicament isn’t unique
to Utah; it’s a story echoed across
the American West and many
parts of the country.
While many factors contribute
to this crisis, there’s an elephant
in the room that we can no
longer ignore: the vast amounts
of land owned by the federal
government. In states like Utah,
where the federal government
owns more than two-thirds of the
land, available space for housing
development is drastically limited.
This artificial scarcity drives
up prices, making housing less
affordable and less available for
families who need it.
36
I’ve crafted legislation to tackle
this growing problem, the Helping
Open Underutilized Space to
Ensure Shelter, or the HOUSES
Act. This legislation would open
up parcels of federally-owned land
for states or local government
entities to purchase, thereby
increasing the available land for
housing. The goal is simple: By
increasing the supply of building
space, we can ease the pressures
on housing demand, making
homes more affordable for more
Americans.
Recognizing the diverse
needs and visions of different
communities, this bill provides
local governments with the
flexibility to determine the
best use of this land. Whether
a locality needs low-income
housing, condominiums, single-
family homes or even mixed-use
developments, they can tailor
their approach to best suit their
community’s needs.
For those concerned about
preserving our nation’s natural
treasures, rest assured that lands
with special designations such as
national monuments, wilderness
areas or national recreation areas
are off the table. The bill guards
against development in remote Unfortunately for many Americans,
and scenic areas. In order to despite their best efforts, the
HOUSES ACT meet the bill’s housing density dream of homeownership is
REDUCES requirement, only lands that are
directly adjacent to existing sewer
becoming increasingly distant
due to external market pressures.
UNNECESSARY infrastructure could be developed. The federal government can’t buy
What’s more, we’ve implemented a home for every citizen, but we
BARRIERS TO measures to prevent these areas should ensure that unnecessary
HOMEOWNERSHIP from being used for luxury second
homes, focusing our efforts on
barriers, like limited land due to
federal ownership, aren’t standing
UTAH affordability. in their way.
Originally Published in the Salt Lake Tribune
On October 26, 2023
The numbers paint a compelling Since affordable housing helps all
picture. Utah, a state with almost Americans, I hope my colleagues
23 million acres of federal land in both parties will help pass the
managed by the Bureau of Land HOUSES Act. Our constituents
Management (BLM), has seen elected us to solve problems,
home prices surge by 89% in and the housing crisis demands
five years, between 2017 and our immediate attention. With
2022. If just a fraction — say, 1% the HOUSES Act, we have a real,
of the BLM-managed acreage — actionable solution.
was made available for housing
under the HOUSES Act, up to Home is where our stories begin
774,000 additional homes could and where we find solace at the
be built. Think of the potential end of each day. It’s in these
relief to families, the boost to our
spaces that we share laughs, shed
economy, and the revitalization oftears and build memories. We are
our communities. poised to rejuvenate that dream
for countless individuals with
In America, homeownership has the HOUSES Act. By addressing
long been a symbol of opportunity our housing crisis head-on, we’re
and individual effort. Our values not just building homes; we’re
emphasize hard work, resilience fortifying the very foundation of
and the pursuit of one’s own America.
American dream.
37
Sen. Lee speaks in a Judiciary Hearing in Washington DC
FREE SPEECH WEEK CALLS FOR A RETURN TO
FIRST AMENDMENT LIBERTIES
By Sen. Mike Lee & Brent Bozell originally published in the Washington Examiner October 20, 2023
George Washington once quipped that “if the freedom
of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may
be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” Americans ought to
keep that in mind as we recognize Free Speech Week
and the efforts by the Left to undermine this crucial
right.
Free expression is under attack from many liberal
elites, including those running the leftist news outlets
38
Publicly, these corporations claim to
support free expression. Facebook
CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended his
company’s support for free speech
during a speech at Georgetown
University where he said that his
company's values were rooted in
“the American tradition, which is
more supportive of free expression
than anywhere else.”
Google representatives, likewise,
defended their company’s “deep
commitment to free expression.”
Privately, however, their
commitment to the First
Amendment has been insincere.
An internal Google memo called
“The Good Censor,” leaked in 2018,
spells out the organization’s deep-
seated antagonism towards free
speech. It described free speech as
a “social, economic, and political
weapon” prioritized “for democracy,
not civility.” It’s no coincidence
that Google buried 10 out of 12
Republican Party Senate candidates’
campaign websites during the 2022
election cycle while highlighting
and Big Tech corporations, who shamelessly favor the
the campaign sites of Democrat
discriminatory censorship of opposing views.
candidates.
Executives at Big Tech corporations, in particular, are
These tech companies have also
doing everything in their power to stifle any speech
targeted their own consumers’
with which they disagree while advancing radical
speech online, often for expressing
political agendas.
political views antithetical to those
held by the majority of platform
executives. Facebook, for example,
swiftly suspended the Instagram
account of a Gold Star mother
who used her profile to criticize
President Joe Biden for withdrawing
a troops from Afghanistan, leaving
her son behind to die.
Twitter is best known for interfering
in the 2020 elections by censoring
the Hunter Biden laptop story.
Under Elon Musk’s leadership,
Twitter’s previous collusion with the
FBI and other government agencies
came to light through the Twitter
Files.
Fortunately, Musk has shed light on
and rooted out much of Twitter’s
censorship, but there is still more
to be done to promote freedom of
speech.
Contrary to what many left-wing
politicians would have you believe,
censoring ideas of any kind does
little to foster civil discourse among
friends, family, and neighbors. In
fact, it tears them apart.
America’s founders, by contrast,
advocated free speech precisely
because of its propensity to foster
civil debate and deliberation.
Since its founding, free expression
has allowed legislators at every
level to determine how best to
protect our nation and enhance
the common good. Tolerance for
those with differing viewpoints is a
foundational virtue that must not be
forsaken.
Recent polling reveals, however, that
47% of Democrats think free speech
should be legal “only under certain
circumstances.” More than one-third
also said they believe Americans
“have too much freedom.” Worst of
all is the fact that 75% of Democrats
think the government has a
responsibility to censor so-called
“hateful” posts on social media.
Unfortunately, the problem is
growing beyond Big Tech. Recently,
the White House sent a letter to
left-wing news outlets, including
CNN and ABC, asking them to call
out Republicans for having “no
evidence” to bring an impeachment
inquiry against Joe Biden. What is
more Orwellian than the executive
branch demanding their political
opponent be censored by so-called
“news” outlets?
Censorship from the Left across
any medium is undoubtedly one of
the greatest threats to freedom in
our country. Without the bedrock
ability to express one’s opinions
and deeply held beliefs, we cannot
have a functioning democracy. This
Free Speech Week, Americans must
vociferously promote a return to our
founding principles while they still
have the right to do so.
39
 BRYCE MOMENT
Speech as delivered by Sen. Lee on the Senate Floor, June 8, 2023
Today, we commemorate the 100th
anniversary of the attraction now
known as Bryce Canyon National
Park.
This occasion allows us to reflect
on the importance of Bryce Canyon
and pay tribute to the pioneers
who have helped make it such a
great place and have shaped its
history over the years. And those
pioneers who are still shaping its
contribution to the world today.
Bryce Canyon holds a special place
in the hearts of Utahns and visitors
from across the United States and
really throughout the world.
40
Its towering rock formation,
which are known as Hoodoos, are
a testament to the unparalleled
beauty found in nature the vibrant
colors that paint the canyon's walls
at sunrise and sunset create a truly
mesmerizing spectacle.
If you haven't been there, you
need to visit Bryce Canyon in 1874,
Scottish immigrant Ebenezer Bryce
settled with his wife Mary, on the
land just below these stunning
reddish hued cliffs.
The settlers in the area began
calling it Bryce Canyon after
Ebenezer Bryce, who humorously
remarked that it was, quote, a hell
of a place to lose a cow. The charm
and allure of the canyon were
evident even in those early days,
long before millions of visitors from
around the world had come to see
it. Fast forward to 1915, when J.W.
Humphrey, a U.S. Forest Service
supervisor, first set foot on the rim
above.
Above the location we refer to
today is the Bryce Amphitheater.
Overwhelmed by the indescribable
beauty. Mr. Humphrey shared
his enchantment with the world,
sending photographs and films
to newspapers, magazines and
TV stations far and wide. He
built roads. He constructed trails
and established a campground,
charging campers a $1 fee. And this
fee had a guarantee attached to it.
He made the $1 fee fully refundable.
If any visitor didn't find the view
completely worth it. Well, Mr.
Humphrey proudly boasted that he
never once had to return a single
dollar, not from a single visitor who
received that guarantee year after
year. The allure of Bryce Canyon is
continued to grow, and in fact, it's
grown exponentially. What started
with around 20,000 annual visits in
its early years had escalated to over Either way, you're going to be
500,000. amazed by what you see. It's that
breathtaking experience sort of
By 1975, over 1 million by 2002 akin to looking up at the Empire
and over 2 million in 2016. Last State Building or at the Taj Mahal,
year alone, the park welcomed an where you can't quite believe what
astonishing 2.4 million visitors. you're seeing. A few years ago, I
was thinking about my many visits
What is it then, about Bryce Canyon to Bryce Canyon. Over the years, I
that draws people in like this? I visited Bryce Canyon as a child and
think it's the Bryce moment. That as an adult.
magical instant when the park's
magnificent panorama suddenly I visited Bryce Canyon, first with
comes into focus. It's especially family members, and I've also
magical if you see it either at visited with friends, with work
sunrise or at sunset. colleagues in all kinds of different
situations.
41
 I still remember the first time
I brought my three children to
Bryce Canyon when they were
young and how proud I was
to show them this beautiful
feature within our state, how
much I enjoyed it. I remember
another time when I was right
out of law school clerking
for a federal district judge,
the honorable deep bench in
the US District Court for the
District of Utah.
We've been working hard,
and one day Judge Benson
decided that he was going to
schedule a brief weekend visit
for us, just voluntarily, just for
fun to go down and visit Bryce
Canyon of the law clerks and
the other court personnel who
worked with his chambers,
went down and visited Bryce
Canyon. And it was so much
fun.
During one of my more recent
visits to Bryce Canyon a few
years ago, not my last one, but
one of the more recent visits
went down there and met with
one of our county associations
of governments.
42
Our state, local and federal
elected officials came together
to talk about lands issues. I
happened to have brought my
daughter Eliza with me on that
trip. It'd been a few years since
I had brought Eliza to Bryce
Canyon, but we got there and
we looked over the Hoodoos
look through those canyons
right at sunset. It was yet
another magical moment.
So these things become a
tradition. It's certainly become
a tradition with me and my
family and my friends. It's
a cherished tradition that
brings people together in rural
communities. In this particular
rural community, it brings
tourist visitors to an otherwise
sparsely visited region of our
state. And it exemplifies the
spirit of adventure and of
camaraderie. On that particular
trip where I brought my
daughter Eliza, to meet with
these state, local and federal
government officials, we went
on an ATV ride around some of
the areas surrounding the park,
and it took us just outside of
the park to the north.
The night before, we had the from all across the United
opportunity to meet with these States and throughout the
incredible individuals who call world.
the region home and it Ruby's
inn. We had gotten together Let us embrace the spirit of
for dinner and shared stories adventure and exploration
and laughter and a deep that defines Bryce Canyon
appreciation for this unique and all of our national parks,
landscape and for the people but especially that one.
who live there. And may we continue to
cherish the memories and
The sense of community experiences these natural
and shared experiences was wonders provide, ensuring
palpable. We ventured into that future generations can
Bryce Canyon National Park for forge connections with the
an evening hike, and as the sun breathtaking landscape of
began to set casting a warm Bryce Canyon.
glow upon those structures
known as Hoodoos, we were Thank you, Mr. President. And
involved in a world of natural may Bryce Canyon forever hold
wonder the majesty of Bryce a special place in our hearts.
Canyon revealed itself in all of
its glory.
It was a transformative
experience. That's just one of
many that reminded me yet
again of the enduring power of
nature to uplift and to inspire. Scan to see Sen. Lee's
So as we celebrate the 100th floor speech
anniversary of Bryce Canyon,
let us honor the pioneers who
recognized the unique beauty
of the land and its potential to
inspire and to attract people
43
 MILITARY
This year, Sen. Lee joined the Utah Congressional delegation in securing legislative victories for Hill Air Force
Base and Dugway Proving Ground, recognizing the irreplaceable value that our Utah installations bring to our
national defense.

As a result of consistent work by the delegation, the FY24 House and Senate NDAAs both include a provision
expanding the authority to request funding for military construction projects at Dugway. This closes an existing
loophole that left Dugway hamstrung by bureaucratic red tape for years when requesting the funds it needs to
fulfill a unique dual mission set.

To support the work at Hill AFB and modernize our ground-based nuclear deterrent, Sen. Lee joined his
colleagues in introducing the Sentinel Nuclear Deterrence Act to ensure efficient and fiscally responsible
modernization.

During the FY24 NDAA process, Sen. Lee fiercely advocated including his Guarding Readiness Resources Act Sen. Lee meets with Dugway Proving Ground leadership
to protect our National Guard units against budget shortfalls related to their State Active Duty missions. As
the FY25 process gets underway, Sen. Lee looks forward to continuing his ardent advocacy for Utah’s defense
community.

44 veterans stand for the National Anthem

Utah Sen. Lee speaks with WWII veterans from Utah Sen. Lee meets with Utah's military leaders
45
Servicemembers outside the Utah State Capitol
 THE SPIRIT OF MEMORIAL DAY LIVES IN THIS SOLDIER’S SACRIFICE
By Sen. Mike Lee published in the Deseret News on May 28, 2023
Memorial Day is the acknowledgment
that America endures not on the
whims of fate but by the valor of
patriots who gave their lives to defend
this nation. As we gather to honor our
fallen heroes, we are confronted with
the profound cost of liberty, which
impels us to renew our remembrance
of those who made the ultimate
sacrifice. Army Pfc. Jose Valdez,
Medal of Honor recipient and proud
son of Utah, personifies the illustrious
narratives of selflessness and courage
we recall on this sacred day.
On Jan. 25, 1945, a young Valdez
found himself in the harrowing realm
of war. Stationed in Rosenkrantz,
France, Valdez, and his brothers in
arms from Company B, 7th Infantry
Regiment, undertook their duty of
patrolling the periphery.
While on watch, the German
adversary materialized. The enemy
tank approached from 75 yards away.
Unyielding in spirit and armed with
his rifle, Valdez fired upon the invader
until it retreated. But this was just the
beginning.
Three German soldiers emerged from
the forest and opened fire. Valdez,
undeterred by the imminent danger,
courageously responded, neutralizing
the enemy intruders.
46
However, two full companies of
German infantrymen surged forward,
bombarding the American patrol. The
encircletment compelled their leader
to issue the order of withdrawal.
To stay and fight was a suicide
mission. But, unyielding in his resolve,
Valdez volunteered to provide
covering fire for his retreating soldiers.
One by one, they escaped the clutches
of the enemy. Though three suffered
injuries, Valdez saved their lives.
Valdez, however, did not escape
unscathed. A bullet pierced his
abdomen and emerged from his
back. The injury paralyzed him from
the waist down. But resignation was
alien to Valdez. Though wracked with
pain, he summoned the vestiges of his
indomitable will.
He alone sustained the unrelenting
onslaught, single-handedly thwarting
the advances of nearly 200 enemy
soldiers. In the face of such unyielding
resistance, the enemy retreated.
Fatigued, wounded, but resolute,
Valdez summoned the last of his
strength, dragging his broken body
through the scarred terrain back to
safety. A warrior in his final moments,
he succumbed to his wounds three
weeks later on Feb. 17, 1945,
only weeks away from the end of
hostilities in Europe.
Pfc. Valdez’s spirit and selfless actions
saved the lives of his comrades.
His unwavering dedication to duty
and commitment to protecting our
freedoms exemplify American heroism.
Through the stories of heroes like
Pfc. Jose F. Valdez, we gain a deeper
appreciation for the sacrifices made by
those who have gone before us. Their
unwavering courage and willingness
to lay down their lives for our nation
deserve our eternal gratitude. Because
as Ronald Reagan once said, “The
United States and the freedom for
which it stands, the freedom for which
they died, must endure and prosper.
Their lives remind us that freedom is
not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it
imposes a burden. And just as they
whom we commemorate were willing
to sacrifice, so too must we — in a less
final, less heroic way — be willing to
give of ourselves.”
In reflecting on the valor of Valdez
and the countless others who have
made the ultimate sacrifice, we must
embrace the burden freedom imposes
upon us. The memory of our heroes
serves as a reminder that liberty is not
Sen. Lee and students from Orem High after a
without cost, and we have a duty to portrait ceremony for Army PFC Jose Valdez
ensure that their sacrifice was not in
vain.
47
48 49

Over the last few years, the ample supply of formula in the United States has been needlessly jeopardized by
protectionist policies and government favoritism.
4 companies in the United States control over 90% of the processed infant formula sold domestically. That lack
of competition and anticompetitive barriers resulted in the national shortage of infant formula.
Last year, President Biden signed a revised version of Sen. Lee’s original FORMULA Act, which unanimously
passed the Senate and passed the House with a vote of 421-2. This version was a starting point to fix some of
the supply chain and protectionist policies that put the US in the position it was just a few years ago.
This year, Sen. Lee introduced his bipartisan Formula 3.0 bill to build on the success of his previous legislation,
aiming to permanently waive tariffs and ease trade barriers on infant formula, ensuring a stable and accessible
supply for families across the United States.
The permanent waiver of tariffs on infant formula base powder would ensure a continuous and reliable supply
for families. By doing so, domestic manufacturers could increase their production, further easing the formula
crisis in the United States.
50
Competition in any space is good for the consumer. It helps increase innovation and drives down consumer
costs. Unfortunately, the government can get in the way with onerous and costly burdens in the form of
needless red tape. That is the current regulatory environment in the generic drug market.
For companies to bring generic versions of branded prescription medicines to the market, those generics
must undergo a “switching study.” In switching studies, participants must alternate between the biologic and
the biosimilar – over and above the initial approval as a biosimilar. These studies can cost millions
of dollars and further delay market access. After examining 15 years of
data, the European Medicines Agency (EMA)
recently stated
that switching studies are
unnecessary for biosimilars to obtain interchangeable status.
Of note, there has never been a biosimilar that has failed a switching study.
This is why Sens. Mike Lee, Mike Braun (R-IN), and J.D. Vance (R-OH), along with Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-
NM), introduced the Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act, which would deem these biosimilar generic drugs
interchangeable with their branded equivalent upon their approval by the FDA.
Eliminating the barrier of interchangeability would increase access to lower-cost biosimilars and save payers
and consumers billions over the next five years. It also allows for the use of switching studies in special
circumstances. Eliminating the barrier of interchangeability would increase access to lower-cost
biosimilars and save payers and consumers billions over the next five years.
51

The protections we enjoy under the Fourth
Amendment long predate 1791. While not perfectly
followed or consistently applied, personal privacy
protections were well-established in English law.
In 1763, the day before Easter, a member of British
parliament named John Wilkes was arrested.
His offense had to do with his publication of a
periodical called The North Briton. All of the North
Briton issues had included criticisms of King George
III and his government. But Wilkes's 45th issue
crossed the line, in part because it criticized the
King’s use of practices like writs of assistance and
general warrants.
Each of these court orders allowed officers free rein
to search any home and seize any evidence to be
used against the King's enemies.
What was especially pernicious about these orders
was the lack of any specificity. In most cases, these
general warrants didn’t single out any home or
goods in particular. They gave the officer carte
blanche for the lifetime of the sovereign, plus 6
months.
52
GOVERNMENT
After 260 years, Americans are still dealing with this
issue. SURVEILLANCE REFORM ACT
Sen. Lee has consistently raised concerns that
the intelligence community's foreign surveillance
authorities are ripe for constitutional abuse.
Some of these issues were addressed in Sen.
Lee's USA FREEDOM Act, which was signed into
law in 2015 and brought sweeping reforms to the
intelligence community.
This year, we learned the FBI illegally surveilled
19,000 political donors, at least one member of the
House of Representatives, and at least one member
of the Senate. A Foreign Intelligence Surveillance
Court found that the FBI had “improperly” used
its warrantless search powers more than 278,000
times on Americans.
That is why Sens. Lee and Wyden (D-OR), along
with Reps. Davidson (R-OH) and Lofgren (D-CA)
introduced the bipartisan, Government Surveillance
Reform Act, to reauthorize Section 702 of the
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act with important
new protections for Americans’ constitutional
rights.
53
Sen. Lee speaks during a press conference about FISA reauthorization
 RESTORING
CONGRESSIONAL POWER
IN FOREIGN POLICY
Sen. Lee continued to work with colleagues across the aisle to restore war powers as a congressional
imperative. Sens. Lee and Murphy turned their attention to leveraging section 502B of the Foreign
Assistance Act to expand the scope of information available to Congress.

This builds on Sen. Lee’s history of bipartisan work with his colleagues to reform the U.S. security
assistance process. By the same token, he continued his robust oversight efforts directed at U.S. arms
sales. Working with Sens. Warren and Sanders, Sen. Lee questioned the Department of Defense and
the State Department on their end-use monitoring programs for U.S.-origin weapons in the hands of
foreign militaries.

Sen. Lee’s unwavering commitment to constitutional war powers and preventing endless wars is
further demonstrated by his support of multiple resolutions directing the removal of U.S. service
members from hostilities that Congress has not authorized. Whenever and wherever American lives
are on the line, the Constitution empowers the branch of government closest to the people.

54 55
Sen. Lee speaks at the Hinckley Institute

UKRAINE IS OFFICIALLY AMERICA'S NEW FOREVER WAR.
PRESIDENT BIDEN, HOW DOES THIS END?
By Sen. Mike Lee & Rep. Warren Davidson Originally Published on Fox News October 20, 2023
Ukraine is the new obsession for
Washington’s war hawks. "As long as it
takes" remains the mantra of the Biden
administration regarding support for
Ukraine.
According to reports from
September's U.N. General Assembly
meeting, U.S. and G-7 allies expect the
war in Ukraine to continue for at least
six to seven years. Of course, the other
implication is "as much as it takes."
No price tag is too high. No weapons
system is off the table. All questions
of risk and tradeoffs, along with those
who raise them, are causally dismissed.
Ukraine is officially America's new
endless war.
The deep state’s memory is short and
rose-tinted. The Biden administration
employs the same rhetoric and
tactics that the Bush and Obama
administrations used to conduct
indefinite military engagement in
Afghanistan and Iraq, not to mention
undeclared intervention in Libya,
Syria, and beyond. With billions
flowing from the U.S. to the Ukrainian
government in "economic support,"
56
long-term security guarantees, and
the reconstruction effort already
underway, we can't help but feel a
sense of deja vu.
The United States is heading down
the same path that mired us in Middle
Eastern conflicts for over two decades,
all without clearly articulating the
objective or how victory is achieved.
Last month, President Volodymyr
Zelenskyy’s visit to the U.S. prompted
members of Congress to ask "how
he plans to win the conflict." Such
deference to the interests of one
foreign leader on the receiving end of
a massive payday from the American
taxpayers should be raising more
eyebrows. The Biden administration
extends President Zelenskyy
unlimited access to America’s
checkbook without accountability or
communicating U.S. objectives and
expectations for success.
When pressed on accountability
concerns, the Biden administration
heralds the Offices of Inspector
General from the Department of
Defense, State, and USAID now
The American people deserve people, who are fatigued from Further, it would require the president
answers before more of their money decades of war in the Middle East, to be upfront with Congress and the
is sent to Ukraine. To that end,
we are introducing the Define the
to hear from their president, not
President Zelenskyy, the plan for
American people by explaining how
Ukraine fits into our national interest,
Mission Act, legislation that would U.S. engagement in Ukraine moving how much more time and money will
require President Biden to submit a forward. be expected to achieve our objectives,
overseeing the $113 billion in comprehensive strategy to Congress and how much Europe plans to
appropriated funds for Ukraine. regarding U.S. involvement in Ukraine. "As long as it takes" will no longer contribute to the war taking place in
They point to "a decade of shared suffice. their backyard.
experience gained from joint Congress owes it to the American
oversight of eight different overseas
contingency operations."
The administration conveniently
forgets to mention the spectacular
failure of oversight of these overseas
contingency operations, and how
the same agencies in charge covered
up instances of waste, at times
deliberately misleading the American
public on the progress made in
Afghanistan and Iraq. They also fail to
mention their opposition to a more
formal structure of establishing a
Special Inspector General.
Thus far, Congress has been content
to placate Ukraine by punting on any
conversation regarding an actual
strategy. But the winds are shifting.
Skepticism from some, and outright
opposition from others, continues to
grow among fiscal conservatives and
foreign policy realists on additional
supplemental appropriations. The
time is ripe for a national conversation
regarding a real strategy for Ukraine.
57
 PROTECT ACT
Law enforcement agencies
in Utah have seen a 600%
increase in cases involving
Child pornography and sexual
contact with minors since
2020. In 2022 alone, the
National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children received 32
million reports of suspected
online child sexual exploitation.
Of those reports, only 6% could
be referred to law enforcement
under existing law.
A 2022 survey of teens
between the ages of 13-17
showed that 15% had been
exposed to pornography, either
accidentally or on purpose,
before the age of 10.
Disturbingly, 52% of those
surveyed said they were
exposed to pornography
depicting violence.
Sen. Lee has introduced 2 bills
to combat these issues.
58
AMERICA ACT
The first is the PROTECT When a handful of dominant companies from owning more
Act, which would require players in digital marketing than one part of the digital ad
pornography sites to verify control every part of the ecosystem if they process more
the age of all participants digital advertising space from than $20 billion in digital ad
in pornographic images; buying, selling and running the transactions. It also requires
require sites to obtain verified exchange that connects the medium-sized and larger digital
consent forms from individuals two, consumers are hurt. These advertising companies that
uploading content and those monopoly rents function as a process more than $5 billion in
appearing in uploaded content; tax—upwards of 40%—on every digital ad transactions to abide
and mandate that websites ad-supported website and by several obligations, including
quickly remove images upon every business that advertises best interest and transparency,
receiving notice they uploaded online, which, collectively, is a to protect their customers and
without consent. Because huge segment of the modern competition.
of Sen. Lee’s work towards economy.
passing the PROTECT Act, a The AMERICA Act would be
few pornography sites have The Advertising Middlemen enforced by the Department
already started verifying the Endangering Rigorous Internet of Justice and state attorneys
ages of participants. Competition Accountability general. It also includes a
(AMERICA) Act restores and private right of action for
The second is the SCREEN Act, protects competition in digital violations.
which would direct the Federal advertising. This law prohibits
Communications Commission large digital advertising
to issue a rule requiring all
commercial pornographic
websites to adopt age-
verification technology to
ensure children cannot access
pornographic content while
also protecting the children’s
privacy.
Sen. Lee greets witnesses after a hearing on digital advertising 59
 SPONSORED LEGISLATION
118th CONGRESS
S.105 - Children Have Opportunities in Classrooms Everywhere Act
This bill allows tax-exempt distributions from qualified tuition programs (known as 529
plans) to be used for additional educational expenses in connection with elementary or
secondary school. The bill also allows certain federal funds for elementary and secondary
education to follow a student from a low-income household to the public school that the
student attends or for tax-exempt educational expenses.

S.Res.35 - A resolution designating "Natural Product Industry Week"

This resolution designates October 22, 2023, through October 28, 2023, as Natural
Products Industry Week.

S.J.Res.14 - A proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring

that the Federal budget be balanced
This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting total outlays for
a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year or 18% of the U.S. gross
domestic product unless Congress authorizes the excess by a two-thirds vote of each
chamber. The prohibition excludes outlays for repayment of debt principal and receipts
derived from borrowing.

S.557 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023

This bill establishes restrictions and requirements for checkoff programs, which are
programs overseen by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote and provide
research and information for a particular agricultural commodity without reference to
specific producers or brands.

60 61
 S.627 - Cancel the Coin Act
This bill prohibits the Department of the Treasury from minting or issuing any coin,
including platinum bullion coins and proof platinum coins, having a nominal or face value
exceeding $200. In addition, Treasury is prohibited from depositing, and the Federal
Reserve is prohibited from accepting, any platinum bullion coins or proof platinum coins
to be applied to the Treasury's account.
S.641 - The Fair Removal of Existing and Enforced Bans on Immunization Relating to
Destination Act or FREEBIRD Act
This bill nullifies the order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) titled Amended Order Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Advancing the
Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic and published on April
7, 2022.
S.685 - Stopping Border Surges Act
This bill modifies immigration law provisions relating to unaccompanied alien minors
and to asylum seekers. The bill requires a stricter standard to find a credible fear of
persecution and imposes additional rules on credible fear interviews. The bill also (1)
expands the definition of what constitutes a frivolous asylum application, (2) imposes
additional limitations on eligibility for asylum, (3) shortens the deadline for applying
for asylum, and (4) extends the time period an alien seeking asylum must wait before
receiving employment authorization.
S.888 - Aviation Empowerment Act
This bill reverses the FAA’s ban on online flight-sharing platforms by allowing a pilot who
wants to share flight expenses to communicate with the public regarding an aircraft flight
in any manner the pilot determines appropriate. The bill would also modify the prohibition
on private pilot compensation by creating a new “personal operator,” category in law,
which would allow a pilot who has a private pilot certificate to receive compensation for
flying persons or property and not be subject to certain commercial airliner operation
regulations as long as that private pilot only flies an aircraft with 8 or fewer seats.
62
S.890 - Screening Partnership Reform Act
To improve the program providing for private screening companies to conduct security
screening at airports, and for other purposes.
S.891 - The Air Traffic Control Safe Operation and Readiness Act ATC SOAR Act
This bill revises the hiring process for air traffic control specialists including revising the Air
Traffic Skills Assessment (AT-SA) to ensure it focuses on skills and it does not incorporate
any biographical questionnaire or other questions of a biographical nature.
S.896 - The Stopping Harmful Incidents to Enforce Lawful Drone Use Act or SHIELD U Act
This bill authorizes and expands counter-drone activities by state, local, and airport law
enforcement, and federal agencies.
S.899 - Let Me Travel America Act
This bill prohibits operators of trains, buses, planes, and other common carriers that
transport passengers interstate from denying service based on individuals' COVID-19
vaccination status. The bill also prohibits federal agencies from making COVID-19
vaccination a prerequisite for interstate travel.
S.902 - Supersonic and Hypersonic Aircraft Testing Corridor Act
To require the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to designate an overland
supersonic and hypersonic testing corridor in the United States to test military passenger
and non-passenger aircraft, and for other purposes.
S.905 - Drone Integration and Zoning Act
To prescribe zoning authority with respect to commercial unmanned aircraft systems and to
preserve State, local, and Tribal authorities and private property with respect to unmanned
aircraft systems, and for other purposes.
63
 S.316 - A bill to repeal the authorizations for use of military force against Iraq
This bill repeals specified authorizations for the use of military force against Iraq.
S.967 - No CBDC Act
This bill generally prohibits the Federal Reserve Board, Federal Reserve Banks, the
Department of the Treasury, and other agencies from issuing or using a central bank
digital currency.
S.998 - A bill to require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and
Information to audit Federal spectrum.
This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
to audit and report to Congress about the electromagnetic spectrum that is allocated to
federal users.
S.999 - Government Spectrum Valuation Act
This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to
periodically estimate the value of specified electromagnetic spectrum that is allocated
to federal agencies. Additionally, each federal agency that is allocated a portion of that
spectrum must include the estimated value of its allocation in its annual budget and
financial statement.
S.1060 - Global Trade Accountability Act
This bill requires congressional approval of any proposed unilateral trade action that has
the effect of increasing trade barriers.
64
S.1073 - The Advertising Middlemen Endangering Rigorous Internet Competition
Accountability Act or AMERICA Act
This bill limits certain large digital advertising companies from owning multiple types
of advertising exchanges or brokerages and imposes certain duties with respect to the
interests of the customers of such brokerages. Advertising exchanges and brokerages
generally facilitate advertisers and publishers in buying and selling advertising inventory
through an automated bidding process.
S.1076 - The Consumer Protection and Due Process Act
This bill expressly provides the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with the authority to
pursue equitable remedies for unfair or deceptive trade practices. The bill limits the FTC’s
ability to exercise this authority to only instances in which a reasonable individual would
have known, under the circumstances, that an act or practice was unfair and deceptive,
and when an equitable remedy award is for an individual who materially relied on the
unfair or deceptive practice of the violator and that such practice caused harm to the
individual.
S.1188 - SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act of 2023
To help individuals receiving assistance under the supplemental nutrition assistance
program in obtaining self-sufficiency, to provide information on total spending on means-
tested welfare programs
S.1260 - University of Utah Research Park Act
This bill releases to the University of Utah, without consideration, the revisionary interest
of the United States in approximately 593 acres of specified non-federal land.
S.1405 - Utah SITLA Exchange Act of 2023
This bill ratifies an agreement between the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands
Administration, the state of Utah, and the Department of the Interior for the exchange of
certain federal and state lands in Utah.
65
 S.1431 - Agency Accountability Act of 2023
To require agencies to publish a reference to the specific provision of law, including
any relevant statutory language, under which agency rules are proposed, and for other
purposes.
S.1782 - Formula 3.0 Act
To provide for the entry of infant formula and infant formula base powder free of duty
and free of quantitative limitation.
S.1912 - The Assuring that Robust, Thorough, and Informed Congressional Leadership is
Exercised Over National Emergencies Act or ARTICLE ONE Act
This bill terminates a presidential declaration of a national emergency after 30 days if
Congress does not pass a joint resolution approving the declaration. Currently, such
a declaration may continue until Congress passes a joint resolution disapproving the
declaration.
S.1955 - Great Salt Lake Stewardship Act
To amend the Central Utah Project Completion Act to authorize expenditures for the
conduct of certain water conservation measures in the Great Salt Lake basin, and for
other purposes.
S.2010 - Competition in Professional Baseball Act
To subject professional baseball clubs to the antitrust laws.
S.2132 - Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention Act of 2023
To require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a pilot program for the establishment
and use of a pre-fire-suppression stand density index, and for other purposes.
66
S.2136 - Utah State Parks Adjustment Act
To require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to convey
certain Federal land to the State of Utah for inclusion in certain State parks, and for other
purposes.
S.2147 - No ESG at TSP Act
This bill prohibits investments under the Thrift Savings Plan in mutual funds that are
based on environmental criteria (e.g., emissions standards), social criteria (e.g., company
diversity), political criteria (e.g., political affiliations), or corporate governance criteria that
differ from the standards that currently apply under law.
S.2151 - Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2023
To amend the Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 2004 to require the
establishment of an additional Institute under that Act.
S.2157 - Protect Drug Innovation Act
To repeal prescription drug price control provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act.
S.2159 - 21st Century Worker Act
To clarify the classification of service provider payees as employees or independent
contractors in Federal law.
S.2205 - The Increase Support for Life-saving Endocrine Transplantation Act or ISLET
Act
To regulate human cadaveric islets for transplantation as organs.
67
 S.2305 - Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act
To improve the requirements for making a determination of interchangeability of a
biological product and its reference product.
S.Con.Res.15 - A concurrent resolution calling on the media to engage in responsible and
voluntary journalistic practices to deny mass public murderers the attention they desire
and minimize any possible "media contagion effect" of irresponsible and sensationalistic
reporting practices.
S.2629 - Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act
To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for fiscal accountability, to require
institutions of higher education to publish information regarding student success, to
provide for school accountability for student loans, and for other purposes.
S.2820 - Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act
To amend the Antiquities Act to increase congressional oversight with respect to the
designation of national monuments, and for other purposes.
S.2930 - Reinforcing American-Made Products Act
To make exclusive the authority of the Federal Government to regulate the labeling of
products made in the United States and introduced in interstate or foreign commerce,
and for other purposes.
S.2940 - Define the Mission Act
To require a comprehensive report that contains a strategy for United States involvement
in Ukraine.
68
S.2972 - A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to repay States for amounts
expended by States to operate units of the National Park System during a Government
shutdown
To require the Secretary of the Interior to repay States for amounts expended by States
to operate units of the National Park System during a Government shutdown.
S.3017 - Restoring the First Amendment and Right to Peaceful Civil Disobedience Act
of 2023
To amend title 18, United States Code, to repeal prohibitions relating to freedom of access
to clinic entrances, and for other purposes.
S.3035 - Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act
This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for research or publications concerning gender
transitions in individuals under the age of 18.
S.3036 - Mountain View Corridor Completion Act
To require the Secretary of the Interior to convey to the State of Utah certain Federal
land under the administrative jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management within the
boundaries of Camp Williams, Utah, and for other purposes.
S.3039 - Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act
This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to hold a hearing and establish
a task force on the health and safety of products with kratom (an herbal substance that
produces opioid- and stimulant-like effects). It also prohibits the FDA from regulating
kratom products in a manner that is more restrictive as compared to regulations for food,
dietary supplements, or dietary ingredients.
69
 S.3117 - The Helping Open Underutilized Space to Ensure Shelter Act of 2023 or HOUSES
Act of 2023
To amend the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to authorize the sale of
certain Federal land to States and units of local government to address housing shortages,
and for other purposes.
S.3119 - Restoring Internet Freedom Act
To prohibit the use of funds by the Secretary of the Interior to finalize and implement certain
travel management plans in the State of Utah.
S.3314 - The Shielding Children's Retinas from Egregious Exposure on the Net Act or
SCREEN Act
To require certain interactive computer services to adopt and operate technology verification
measures to ensure that users of the platform are not minors, and for other purposes.
S.3316 - Immediate Access for the Terminally Ill Act
To amend Title II of the Social Security Act to allow disabled individuals with incurable
terminal illnesses listed on the Compassionate Allowance list to receive disability insurance
benefits without a waiting period, to prohibit concurrent receipt of disability insurance
benefits and unemployment insurance, and for other purposes.
S.3428 - The Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle Act of 2023 or
DEFUND Act of 2023
To terminate membership by the United States in the United Nations, and for other purposes.
S.3432 - Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act
To permit the use of NATO and major non-NATO ally dredge ships in the United States.
70
S.3433 - The Dredging to Ensure the Empowerment of Ports Act or DEEP Act
To require the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to propose a
new nationwide permit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for dredging projects,
and for other purposes.
S.3434 - Incentivizing the Expansion of U.S. Ports Act
To eliminate certain requirements with respect to dredging and dredged material, and for
other purposes.
S.3435 - Port Modernization and Supply Chain Protection Act
To repeal the requirements of the Foreign Dredge Act of 1906 with respect to dredging and
dredged material.
S.3520 - The ACE Act
This bill builds on the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by providing federal tax incentives to
encourage state-level school choice laws. Additionally, this bill broadens tax exemptions
for qualified programs under Section 529 of the IRS code of 1986 to make financing public
school alternatives such as homeschool or private school easier for parents.
S.3531 - Protect American Gun Exporters Act
This bill prohibits the Commerce Secretary, or a designee, from imposing future pauses
on the issuance of new licenses for gun manufacturers looking to sell their products to
non-governmental foreign end users living abroad. The measure also prohibits the federal
government from using tax dollars to implement any policy changes that are developed as a
result of the Commerce Secretary’s announced “assessment,” of existing policies relating to
the export of American-made guns.
71
72 73

INTERNSHIPS
Sen. Lee and a class of 2023 interns in the Brumidi Corridors
Sen. Lee’s internship program is a valuable experience
for college students looking to challenge themselves
and grow their skill sets in a demanding environment.
Interns in Sen. Lee’s office assist with many tasks
including legislative research, analysis, constituent
services, and outreach.
There are a limited number of spots available to intern
in Sen. Lee’s Washington DC and Utah offices each
semester. Priority is given to students attending Utah
colleges and universities or Utahns attending out-of-
state schools.
74
UTAH
In-state internships are available in our Salt Lake Office. State
interns help with constituent outreach efforts, casework, processing
and responding to mail, answering constituent calls, and other
special projects as needed.
In addition to full-time state internships, there are part-time options
available that account for full-time academic schedules.
Utah Interns participate at a Veteran Stand Down event with
the Salt Lake City VA
WASHINGTON DC
If you or someone you know would be interested in an
internship in Sen. Lee’s office, scan the QR code below Interns in Washington DC assist in many tasks including research for
or call our office at 202-224-5444. legislation, constituent tours of the United States Capitol Building,
attending hearings, preparing memos, assisting with constituent
events, processing mail, special projects, and a variety of other
Scan here to learn more tasks as needed.
about internships
Working in the Washington D.C. office allows students an up-close
look at the legislative process and how Congress makes laws.
Intern trivia with Sen. Lee
75
 INTERN SPOTLIGHT
We interviewed Charlie Lowsma, who interned in Senator Lee’s DC office, about his
experiences as an intern.

What does a typical day as a Senate intern look like?

Senate interns organize emails, answer phone calls, give Capitol tours, and work with their legislative
teams. I was able to do research on different nominations and write summaries of committee hearings
for the Foreign Affairs portfolio. When free time would come around, I was able to go to the chamber
galleries, attend different events on the Hill, and meet with a variety of government employees to gain a
better understanding of political careers.

What was your favorite story/highlight of your time serving in Sen. Lee’s office?
There are two distinct favorites that I got out of my internship. Committee hearings were always
fascinating. Helping contribute to the office’s research, and learning the reasoning behind where we
stand, made the Senator’s position in the room all the more meaningful. Beyond that, I enjoyed the
chances to explore the Capitol building. The endless rooms, artwork, and architecture was too much to
appreciate with a single tour, so much that I still wish for the chance to explore again.

How do you think your internship has helped you or will help you in your future career or exploring
future careers?

The internship provided me with the exposure to the political world that I always wanted. I was
fortunate to gain a better understanding of public service and the variety of ways our federal
government runs the country. I met smart, influential people, who encouraged me to strive for the
impactful roles that our government has to offer. Ultimately, I learned that if I put in the work, I have the
chance to contribute to the decision-making that protects the American way of life.

76 77
 STATE STAFF
In addition to Sen. Lee’s legislative staff based in the nation’s capital, he also has a dedicated team
of staffers who live all across the state of Utah and assist in community outreach and constituent
services.

Sen. Lee maintains 4 permanent offices across the state. A main office in Salt Lake City, as well as
regional offices in Ogden, St. George, and Vernal. In addition to the 4 permanent offices, his state staff
also hold hundreds of mobile offices across the state in every county.

The Senator’s Utah staff assist him in community outreach and casework. The outreach team focuses
on building relationships with constituents, community leaders, organizations, and other groups. They
work to stay informed and engaged with communities across the state and seek to understand the
issues important to them and relay that information along to the Senator.

His casework team works full-time to assist constituents who may be having issues with federal
agencies. When a Utahn contacts the office with an issue involving federal agencies or programs like
Social Security, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or immigration and passport issues, the casework
team will work with them to understand their situation and use their knowledge and expertise to help
find a solution.

More information can be found about casework on page 84.

A corral in Sevier County

78 So. Utah Director Gary Wester speaks at
Sen. Lee's Utah Staff from Left to Right: Colby Walker, Gary Webster, Joel Brown, Jessica Christopher, 79
Vernal Office Ribbon Cutting Congressional Staff Public Lands Tour Staff visits Camp Williams Derek Anderson, Taeya Dickamore, Devin Smith, Emily Acton, Nate Jackson, Emily Wiscombe, Mark Welcker
the Energy Conference in Vernal
 MILITARY ACADEMIES
Senate Staff interview Military Academy candidates in Salt Lake City
Each year Sen. Lee has the honor of nominating some of the most driven and talented
students from across Utah to our nation’s fine military academies. To attend the Air
Force Academy, Naval Academy, or the United States Military Academy at West Point,
students need a nomination from a member of Congress. This year, Sen. Lee’s staff
held a record 192 interviews with 94 students from all across our great state.
If you or someone you know is interested in
seeking a nomination to a service academy from
Sen. Lee, please scan the code to the right
80
MOBILE
OFFICES
From the day that he took office, Sen. Lee has
sought to ensure his office is open and available to
Utahns across the state. From Kanab to Kaysville,
Dutch John to Delta, and Montezuma Creek to
Millcreek, and everywhere in between, Sen. Lee and
his staff are here to serve the people of Utah and
ensure their voice is heard in the halls of Congress.
In addition to his 4 permanent state offices in Salt
Lake City, Ogden, Vernal, and St. George, members
of his state staff regularly hold “Mobile Offices” in
every county in the state. His staff has held nearly
1,500 mobile offices since Sen. Lee took office.
This program allows Senate staff to speak with
Utahns in their own communities and serve as
a resource providing insight into the Senator’s
policy positions and priorities, and provide access
to casework assistance to constituents who need
help with federal agencies. You can find out more
information about casework on the next page.
In 2023, multiple mobile offices were held in every
one of Utah's 29 counties. If you would like to
schedule a mobile office in your area or see where
upcoming mobile offices will be held you can scan
the QR code on the next page.
81
 CASEWORK
When Utahns have issues with federal agencies,
working through the never-ending maze of
bureaucracy can be overwhelming.
This is where Sen. Lee’s caseworkers can help. Sen.
Lee has a dedicated staff based in Utah whose job
is to assist Utahns with challenges they may have
with federal agencies.
Whether it’s matters involving immigration, social
security, passports, veterans affairs, or any other
government agency, Sen. Lee’s casework team will
do their best to help. They routinely interact with
thousands of Utahns every year.
If you or someone you know needs assistance,
please do not hesitate to reach out to Sen. Lee’s
Salt Lake Office to see if a member of his casework
team can help.
Scan here for more about
Casework Mobile Offices
82
A Utah veteran reached out regarding his retirement from the Utah Air National Guard and the
Air Force Reserves, including five years of active-duty service. There was an issue with his Air
Force time being applied to his retirement. The Utah casework team learned it was an issue tied
to both the Air Force and the Army, because of the veteran’s service in multiple branches of the
military. The issue was resolved in about 2 weeks and the veteran’s retirement pay was correctly
adjusted.
A constituent contacted Sen. Lee because he had been receiving only a partial amount of his
Social Security disability checks for over two and a half years, due to a miscalculation with
workers’ compensation. The casework team worked with the congressional liaisons at the SSA to
correct the constituent’s monthly benefits and issue backpay of over $42,000. They said, “I can't
thank you enough for staying with me through this process. I was literally at risk of losing my
home and my good credit and your help has helped me avoid that unimaginable situation. Thank
you and Mike's team for your support and diligent efforts in reversing of what seemed to be a
lost cause with agencies at the federal level.”
A constituent contacted Sen. Lee because his federal Thrift Savings Plan account showed a
withdrawal of $100,000, but he did not receive a check nor could he access the money for over
15 months. Our casework team contacted the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, who
reimbursed the amount plus the interest that accrued in that time frame.
83
 STATE STAFF DIRECTORY STATE STAFF DIRECTORY
OUTREACH CASEWORK

Mark Wait Jessica Christopher Taeya Dickamore Emily Wiscombe

Chief of Staff Deputy State Director / Casework Director Caseworker Caseworker

Email: Mark_Wait@lee.senate.gov Email: Jessica_Christopher@lee.senate.gov Email: Taeya_Dickamore@lee.senate.gov Email: Emily_Wiscombe@lee.senate.gov

Phone: (202) 224-5444 Phone: (801) 524-4427 Phone: (801) 524-5933 Phone: (801) 524-5933
Issues: DOC, IRS, DOJ, FCC, FTC, DOL, USPS, Issues: Veterans, Military Affairs
Passports, EPA
Nathan Jackson Joel Brown Devin Smith Emily Acton
Northern Utah Director Eastern Utah Director State Scheduler & Office Administrator Caseworker

Email: Nathan_Jackson@lee.senate.gov Email: Joel_Brown@lee.senate.gov Email: Devin_Smith@lee.senate.gov Email: Emily_Acton@lee.senate.gov

Phone: (202) 870-9330 Phone: (202) 603-4617 Phone: (801) 524-5933 Phone: (801) 524-5933
Issues: Military / Aerospace / Veterans / Transportation Issues: Oil / Gas / Small Business Issues: Passports, Visas Issues: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, HHS,
HUD, Education, Retirement, Passports
Gary Webster Derek Anderson
Southern Utah Director Central Utah Outreach

Email: Gary_Webster@lee.senate.gov Email: Derek_Anderson@lee.senate.gov

Phone: (202) 577-4602 Phone: (202) 697-0348
Issues: Public Lands / Energy / Ag / FEMA Issues: Technology / Tribal Issues / Mobile Offices

Mark Welcker Colby Walker

Director of Business Outreach State Communications Specialist
The issues listed above only a sample of the
Email: Mark_Welcker@lee.senate.gov Email: Colby_Walker@lee.senate.gov issues Sen. Lee's office assists in. For more
Phone: (801) 836-0836 Phone: (202) 989-5758 information, scan the QR code to the left.
Issues: Business Issues: Media

84 85
NOTES
Utah County