Utah

State Senators:

Mike Lee (R)

Term Start: Janaury 3, 2011

Full Name: Michael Shumway Lee
Date of Birth: June 4, 1971
Birthplace: Mesa, Arizona, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Mike Lee was born in Mesa, Arizona, and raised in Provo, Utah, in a family with a strong tradition of public service. His father, Rex E. Lee, was the founding dean of the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University (BYU) and later served as Solicitor General of the United States. Lee attended Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University in 1994. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School in 1997.

Personal Life: Mike Lee is married to Sharon Burr Lee, and they have three children. The family resides in Alpine, Utah. Known for his dedication to constitutional principles and his commitment to conservative values, Lee continues to work towards policies that promote liberty, economic prosperity, and the rule of law.

Early Career: After completing his education, Lee clerked for Judge Dee Benson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah and then for Justice Samuel Alito, first on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and later on the U.S. Supreme Court. Following his clerkships, Lee worked in private practice and also served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah. He specialized in appellate and constitutional law and gained extensive experience in federal litigation.

Political Career:

U.S. Senate: In 2010, Lee ran for the U.S. Senate and won the Republican primary against incumbent Senator Bob Bennett. He was re-elected in 2016 and 2022. Lee is known for his strong libertarian-conservative stance and his advocacy for limited government and constitutional principles.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Committee on the Budget
Committee on the Judiciary
Joint Economic Committee (Ranking)

Legislative Achievements:

Constitutional Principles: Lee is a staunch advocate for adhering to the U.S. Constitution. He has introduced and supported legislation aimed at reducing the size of the federal government and returning power to the states.
Judicial Appointments: As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Lee has played a significant role in the confirmation of federal judges and Supreme Court justices. He supports nominees who adhere to originalist and textualist interpretations of the Constitution.
Economic Policies: Lee supports tax cuts, deregulation, and policies that promote economic growth and job creation. He has been a proponent of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and advocates for free-market principles.
Healthcare: Lee supports the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He advocates for market-based healthcare reforms that increase competition, reduce costs, and improve access to services.
Criminal Justice Reform: Lee has been an advocate for criminal justice reform. He co-sponsored the First Step Act, which focuses on prison reform and reducing recidivism.
Privacy and Surveillance: Lee has been a vocal opponent of government surveillance programs that he believes infringe on civil liberties. He has introduced and supported legislation to protect individual privacy rights.

Senator Lee is known for his dedication to constitutional principles, judicial appointments, economic policies, healthcare reform, criminal justice reform, and privacy rights. His background in law and public service, along with his extensive experience in the U.S. Senate, shape his legislative priorities. He continues to advocate for policies that promote limited government, individual liberties, and free-market principles.

Committees

Energy and Natural Resources: Committee plays a role in shaping national policies related to energy security, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Budget: Committee plays a central role in shaping the nation’s fiscal policy, ensuring that government spending and revenue collection are managed responsibly and align with economic priorities.

Judiciary: Committee plays a role in shaping the nation’s legal framework and ensuring the fair administration of justice. Its work impacts a wide range of issues, from the confirmation of judges to the protection of civil liberties and the enforcement of federal laws.

Joint Economic Committee: Bipartisan committee composed of members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This committees’ role is to inform Congress about the state of the economy and provide policy recommendations to address economic challenges and opportunities. Its work helps shape economic policy and legislation in the United States.

Voting patterns

Senator Lee has a voting record that reflects his commitment to conservative and libertarian principles, limited government, economic freedom, and individual liberties.

Key Voting Patterns:

Constitutional Principles:

Limited Government: Lee is a strong advocate for reducing the size and scope of the federal government. He frequently votes against legislation that he believes oversteps federal authority and supports returning power to the states.
Judicial Appointments: Lee supports the appointment of conservative judges who adhere to originalist and textualist interpretations of the Constitution. He has played a significant role in the confirmation of federal judges and Supreme Court justices.

Economic Policies:

Tax Cuts and Deregulation: Lee supports policies that promote economic growth through tax cuts and deregulation. He was a strong proponent of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” of 2017 and consistently votes for measures that reduce taxes and regulatory burdens on businesses.
Free Market: Lee advocates for free-market principles and opposes government intervention in the economy. He supports legislation that fosters economic freedom and innovation.

Healthcare:

Affordable Care Act Repeal: Lee supports repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He has voted multiple times to dismantle the ACA and advocates for market-based healthcare reforms that increase competition and reduce costs.
Healthcare Reform: Lee has introduced and supported legislation to expand health savings accounts (HSAs) and allow the purchase of health insurance across state lines to foster competition.

Criminal Justice Reform:

First Step Act: Lee co-sponsored the First Step Act, a bipartisan bill focused on prison reform and reducing recidivism. The legislation includes provisions for early release programs, improved prison conditions, and support for reentry programs.
Justice Reform: Lee supports reforms that address sentencing disparities and promote fair treatment within the criminal justice system.

Privacy and Surveillance:

Civil Liberties: Lee is a vocal opponent of government surveillance programs that infringe on civil liberties. He has introduced and supported legislation to protect individual privacy rights and limit government surveillance.
PATRIOT Act: Lee has opposed the reauthorization of certain provisions of the PATRIOT Act that he believes violate constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Social Issues:

Pro-Life Stance: Lee holds a strong pro-life stance and has consistently voted for legislation that restricts abortion and protects the rights of the unborn. He supports defunding organizations that provide abortion services.
Second Amendment: Lee is a staunch defender of Second Amendment rights and has consistently voted against measures that would impose additional restrictions on gun ownership.

Immigration:

Border Security: Lee supports measures to enhance border security and enforce immigration laws. He has voted for increased funding for border security and supports policies that address illegal immigration.
Merit-Based Immigration: Lee advocates for a merit-based immigration system that prioritizes skills and contributions to the U.S. economy.

Senator Lee’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues prioritizes economic growth and energy independence while supporting the development of renewable energy sources.

Full Name: Willard Mitt Romney
Date of Birth: March 12, 1947
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Mitt Romney was born in Detroit, Michigan, to George W. Romney, a prominent businessman and politician, and Lenore Romney. He was raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Romney attended Cranbrook School, a private preparatory school, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Brigham Young University in 1971. He went on to receive dual degrees: a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard University in 1975.

Personal Life: Mitt Romney is married to Ann Romney, and they have five sons. The family resides in Holladay, Utah. Known for his dedication to public service and his pragmatic approach to governance, Romney continues to work towards policies that promote economic prosperity, security, and opportunity for all Americans.

Early Career: After completing his education, Romney embarked on a successful business career. He joined the Boston Consulting Group and later Bain & Company, where he became a vice president. In 1984, he co-founded Bain Capital, a private equity investment firm that became highly successful under his leadership. Romney’s business acumen gained him national recognition, particularly for his role in turning around struggling companies.

Salt Lake Winter Olympics: Romney gained national recognition for his role as president and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics. He was credited with turning around the financially troubled Olympics and ensuring its success.

Mitt Romney (R)

Term Start: January 3, 2019

Political Career:

Governor of Massachusetts: In 2002, Romney was elected Governor of Massachusetts. He served from 2003 to 2007. As governor, Romney focused on fiscal responsibility, healthcare reform, and education. One of his most notable achievements was the enactment of a comprehensive healthcare reform law that aimed to provide near-universal health insurance coverage for Massachusetts residents, a model that later influenced the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Presidential Campaigns: Romney ran for the Republican nomination for President in 2008 but was unsuccessful. He ran again in 2012, securing the Republican nomination and ultimately losing the general election to incumbent President Barack Obama. Romney’s presidential campaigns emphasized his business experience, fiscal conservatism, and moderate social views.
U.S. Senate: In 2018, Romney was elected to the U.S. Senate, representing Utah. He took office on January 3, 2019. As a senator, Romney has focused on issues such as fiscal responsibility, healthcare, and national security. He is known for his willingness to work across party lines and his commitment to principles over partisan politics.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Foreign Relations
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee on the Budget

Legislative Achievements:

Healthcare Reform: As Governor of Massachusetts, Romney implemented a statewide healthcare reform program aimed at providing near-universal health insurance coverage. As a senator, he supports market-based healthcare reforms that increase competition and reduce costs.
Fiscal Responsibility: Romney advocates for balanced budgets and reducing the national debt. He supports measures to curb government spending and promote fiscal discipline.
National Security: Romney is a strong advocate for a robust national defense and has supported increased defense spending. He emphasizes the importance of U.S. leadership on the global stage and strengthening alliances.
Education: Romney supports policies that promote educational choice, accountability, and innovation. He advocates for reforms that improve the quality of education and expand opportunities for students.
Economic Policies: Romney supports pro-growth economic policies, including tax cuts and deregulation. He advocates for free-market principles and measures that stimulate economic development and job creation.

Senator Romney is known for his dedication to healthcare reform, fiscal responsibility, national security, education, and economic policies. His background in business, his leadership in the Salt Lake Winter Olympics, and his experience as Governor of Massachusetts and U.S. Senator shape his legislative priorities. He continues to advocate for policies that benefit Utahans and the nation.

Committees

Foreign Relations: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, providing a check on the executive branch’s conduct of international relations, and ensuring that America’s global engagements reflect the values and interests of its citizens.

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP): Committee addresses issues related to health care, education, employment, and retirement policies.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee plays a critical role in shaping policies related to national security, ensuring effective and efficient government operations, and maintaining oversight of federal agencies and programs.

Voting patterns

Senator Romney has a voting record that reflects his commitment to conservative principles, fiscal responsibility, national security, healthcare reform, and economic policies.

Key Voting Patterns:

Healthcare:

Affordable Care Act (ACA): While Romney implemented a state healthcare reform in Massachusetts that influenced the ACA, he has voted against the ACA at the federal level. He supports market-based healthcare reforms that increase competition, reduce costs, and improve access to services.
Prescription Drug Costs: Romney supports measures to lower prescription drug prices through increased market competition and transparency.

Fiscal Responsibility:

Balanced Budgets: Romney advocates for balanced budgets and reducing the national debt. He consistently supports measures to curb government spending and promote fiscal discipline.
Tax Cuts: Romney was a proponent of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” of 2017, which aimed to lower taxes for individuals and businesses and stimulate economic growth.

National Security:

Defense Spending: Romney is a strong advocate for a robust national defense. He has consistently supported increased defense spending to enhance military readiness and capabilities.
Foreign Policy: Romney emphasizes the importance of U.S. leadership on the global stage and strengthening alliances. He supports measures that enhance national security and combat global threats.

Economic Policies:

Pro-Growth Policies: Romney supports policies that promote economic growth, including tax cuts and deregulation. He advocates for free-market principles and measures that stimulate economic development and job creation.
Trade: Romney supports free and fair trade policies. He has voted for trade agreements that he believes benefit the U.S. economy and strengthen international economic partnerships.

Education:

Educational Choice: Romney supports policies that promote educational choice, accountability, and innovation. He advocates for reforms that improve the quality of education and expand opportunities for students.
Higher Education: Romney has supported measures to make higher education more affordable and accessible, including efforts to reduce student loan debt.

Social Issues:

Conservative Values: Romney upholds conservative values on social issues, including opposition to abortion and support for religious freedom. He has consistently voted for legislation that aligns with these principles.
Second Amendment: Romney supports Second Amendment rights and has voted against measures that would impose additional restrictions on gun ownership.

Immigration:

Border Security: Romney supports comprehensive immigration reform that includes securing the borders and enforcing immigration laws. He has voted for increased funding for border security and supports policies that address illegal immigration.
Merit-Based Immigration: Romney advocates for a merit-based immigration system that prioritizes skills and contributions to the U.S. economy.

Bipartisan Cooperation:

Independent Stance: Romney is known for his willingness to break with party lines on key issues. He has shown a commitment to bipartisan cooperation and has voted for measures that he believes are in the best interest of the country, even when they diverge from the majority stance of his party.

Senator Romney’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles with a moderate approach on certain issues. He emphasizes fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and a balanced approach to environmental protection and social issues.