Situational Analysis | December 21, 2021

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Bipartisan infrastructure bill funding to spur cleanup at Jacobs Smelter Site in Stockton, Utah

U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) applauded an announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that the Jacobs Smelter Superfund Site in Stockton, Utah, will receive funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—the bipartisan infrastructure bill negotiated by Romney and his colleagues—to complete critical cleanup actions and protect human health and the environment. The Tooele County site is among 49 sites across the nation that will benefit from a $1 billion investment from the bipartisan infrastructure bill to initiate cleanup and clear the backlog of previously unfunded Superfund sites and accelerate cleanup at dozens of other sites across the country. (Read More)

Rep. Blake Moore’s National Medal of Honor Monument Act headed to President Biden’s desk

This weekend, after unanimously passing the House in July, Representative Blake Moore’s National Medal of Honor Monument Act unanimously passed the Senate. The legislation will now head to the White House to be signed into law by President Biden.

Introduced by Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) and Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), the National Medal of Honor Monument Act is bipartisan legislation that authorizes the creation of a monument that will pay homage to the values the Medal of Honor represents—courage, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, commitment, and sacrifice—and the less than 4,000 brave individuals who earned it in service to their country. Of the roughly 9,500 bills introduced in both chambers during the first session of the 117th Congress, only 95 have passed both the House and the Senate. (Read More)

Romney challenges administration to work on bipartisan family policy following failure of “Build Back Better”

Following the failure of Democrats’ “Build Back Better” legislation, U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) challenged the Administration to actually work with Republicans and Democrats on a bipartisan solution on lasting, fiscally-responsible family policy:

“Now that it is clear “Build Back Better” isn’t moving forward and with bipartisan opposition to extending the President’s ill-crafted Child Tax Credit, the Administration has an opportunity to do what it failed to do before—actually work with Republicans and Democrats on a lasting, fiscally-responsible CTC reform. My Family Security Act, a plan that I introduced in February to streamline existing family policies into one child benefit, has been analyzed and praised by progressives and conservatives alike and could serve as a starting point. Concerns about how changes to the CTC could impact a family’s connection to work can and should be addressed. Legislation that impacts something as important as our children must be done on a bipartisan basis, and I urge my colleagues to come to the negotiating table to get something done for American families.” (Read More)

Executive confidence slides on coronavirus variants and workforce shortages

The Salt Lake Chamber’s CEOutlook released today shows mixed results from increased job growth in Utah yet executive confidence declining for the third straight quarter. This divergence signals renewed caution in the face of variants, extremely tight labor markets, and price uncertainty heading into retail season.

“Utah continues to succeed in the face of prevailing challenges and our economic progress over the past two years is a testament to smart leadership and policy,” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. “Our executive confidence decline does signal caution as our economy is closely correlated with the national trajectory. The passage of the national infrastructure bill will continue to boost growth for our state as projects develop in the new year but real concerns on inflation and labor constraints remain. I remain confident in our direction and momentum as Utah’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to add jobs and make our state the home of opportunity.” (Read More)

Number of the Day

Commentary: Will Mitt Romney run again? Can he win?

By LaVarr Webb

2024 is still a far way off, but political insiders are already speculating about whether Sen. Mitt Romney will seek re-election.

U.S. Senate seats are highly coveted and an open seat doesn’t come up very often. Thus, a lot of young Utah politicians would love the chance to run for the Senate if Romney declined to run.

But I think it’s pretty clear Romney will seek re-election. I believe Romney is enjoying serving in the Senate – it’s a great job, after all, almost like royalty – and only two things could prevent him from running. The first is poor health and the second is if it’s obvious he can’t win the GOP nomination.....

As for electability, Romney’s political health isn’t as good as his physical health. His approval ratings are weak, especially among Republican voters whose support he needs to win the GOP nomination. Still, it’s very difficult to defeat an incumbent senator. Romney will have unlimited funding, a lot of support from the Utah business community and establishment leaders, and he will put together an effective campaign....

It’s obvious to me that Romney is mounting a big effort to improve his popularity and show he’s an effective senator, working hard for Utah’s interests. He’s churning out a lot of press releases, op-eds and making TV appearances. He’s been highly critical of the Biden administration on a number of issues and has taken tough stances on China and Russia. (Read More)

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