Guest Opinion: If the US does not lead in the technologies of the future, our national security is at risk
by Ryan Easton
Utah’s silicon slopes have triggered an avalanche of advanced innovation, leading the Beehive State to be ranked as the top state for startups.
With Utah at the forefront of innovation in the United States in recent years, developments and ideas from our state have helped our country remain the leading voice on the world stage. This position helps ensure that America can share its values with the world and encourage the spread of democratic values...
One major way they are doing this is through the export of technology. China has been working diligently to become the world’s leader in major tech like artificial intelligence and other emerging capabilities. They have made significant investments in research and development and have even stolen technology and intellectual property from the United States to achieve these goals. In addition to creating national security and economic challenges, China’s dominance in the tech industry gives them a significant advantage in cyber warfare and intelligence gathering. This could lead to compromised national security and potentially losing our technological edge.
Having served our country in the military, I deeply understand the importance of promoting American values and what that takes. China is and will continue to be aggressive, and if we do not act, America could end up in a vulnerable spot. Our leaders in Congress are already laser-focused on China and I appreciate the concern that has already been raised by key committees including the new China committee in the House of Representatives. But we cannot just talk; we must act to ensure that technological innovation in the United States continues to lead the world. That means passing legislation supporting our small businesses, entrepreneurs, innovation, and ability to compete while avoiding bad policies that would undermine America’s – and Utah’s – ability to innovate.
News Release
Utah leaders speak out against Ozone Transfer Rule
Utah’s elected leaders – Gov. Spencer Cox, Attorney General Sean Reyes, Senate President J. Stuart Adams, House Speaker Brad Wilson, U.S. Senators Mike Lee and Mitt Romney, and Congressmen Chris Stewart, John Curtis, Burgess Owens, and Blake Moore – issued the following statement:
“Utah’s measured, all-of-the-above energy policy has powered decades of prosperity by providing some of the country’s most reliable and affordable energy. This balanced and commonsense approach has powered our state, fueled our economy, and maintained a high quality of life for our people. We’ve also dramatically decreased emissions. However, the Biden Administration has turned to executive rulemaking to enact policies that will force early closures of Utah power plants, putting reliable, affordable, and dispatchable power significantly at risk – and only in a few years. (Read More)
Romney, Shaheen renew bipartisan push to establish U.S. strategy toward Black Sea region
U.S. Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) reintroduced their bipartisan legislation that would direct the Administration to develop a strategy toward the Black Sea region, which has increasingly become a critical inflection point for European and global security amid Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war in Ukraine.
“Russia’s recent provocation against a U.S. drone in the Black Sea underscores the need for a revamped strategy in the Black Sea region. We cannot leave it up to Putin—who chose to invade Ukraine and pursue other forms of aggression in the region—to define the rules of the Black Sea. It’s critical that the Biden Administration develops a robust Black Sea strategy to strengthen the coordination between the U.S., NATO, and our Black Sea partners,” said Senator Romney. (Read More)
Romney to OMB Director: It’s offensive and dishonest to claim that Congress wants to cut Social Security benefits
At a Budget Committee hearing today to discuss the President’s budget, U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) engaged in a heated exchange with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young who claimed that members of Congress are proposing cutting benefits for current Social Security recipients. He rejected her claim as dishonest and offensive, and highlighted how the President’s budget fails to include a plan to save Social Security, which is projected to run out of money in the next 10 years—triggering automatic benefit cuts. Senator Romney advocated for a bipartisan effort to work together to save Social Security and protect Medicare. (Read/Watch More)
Romney, colleagues seek information from stakeholders on the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act reauthorization
U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT), member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today joinedSenators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member and Chair of the HELP Committee respectively, in requesting input from public health officials, health care providers, and other stakeholders on policies the Committee should consider during the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA).
Specifically, the senators asked stakeholders to provide feedback on the effectiveness of existing programs, how to improve the ability of states and localities to respond to public health crises, any gaps in activities or authorities in the PAHPA framework, and ways to bolster partnerships between the federal government, states and localities, the private sector, and non-government stakeholders. They hope to use the input during the reauthorization process to enhance PAHPA and improve the nation’s preparedness for future health crises. PAHPA expires on September 30th, which is the end of fiscal year 2023. (Read More)
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