Education Leaders Praise Hatch’s Efforts to Support Innovative Teaching
Washington, D.C.—Last week Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, member and former chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement after introducing the Innovation for Tomorrow’s Workforce Act of 2016:
“Last year, we passed a groundbreaking proposal to fix some of the shortcomings of No Child Left Behind. The CTE Innovation Act is a follow-up to last year’s education overhaul. This new bill addresses the needs of Utah’s transformative education system by providing resources to better pathways from the classroom to the workplace. We need to find more ways to expand and improve STEM education in our schools to prepare students to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy. My bill will help us do exactly that. It will build on Utah’s accomplishments by allowing funds to be used for Pay for Success initiatives and by making high-quality, open education resources more accessible.”
Education leaders praised Hatch’s efforts:
Deneece G. Huftalin, President, Salt Lake Community College
We applaud Senator Hatch for his efforts through this legislation to promote and reward innovative initiatives that strengthen career and technical education in Utah. The innovation fund he is advocating will support the collaborative programs underway at Salt Lake Community College, such as the Utah Aerospace Pathways and the Utah Diesel Technician Pathways. The fund will encourage the creation of additional new programs that help prepare our workers for the quality technical jobs that are in high demand in Utah and across the country.
Julie Snowball, Director, Career and Technical Education, Weber State University
The Perkins Innovation Fund will provide strategic opportunities for CTE educators to collaborate with students and employers in reaching beyond the boundaries of standard CTE programs in order to transform educational pathways. The projects supported by this fund will provide limitless win-win possibilities for CTE students as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Blair K. Carruth, Assistant Commissioner for Academic Affairs, Utah System of Higher Education
We welcome the additional investment in CTE programs through the proposed innovation grants. These grants would enable higher educational institutions and other entities to develop and implement new and creative approaches to instructional design and delivery methods. By so doing institutions would be able to reach an expanded market, resulting in greater efficiencies and increased positive impact on workforce talent in critical occupational areas.
The State Education Technology Directors Association (SETDA)
SETDA applauds Senator Hatch and Senator Bennet for championing innovation in Career and Technical Education. CTE innovation depends on ensuring access to cutting edge instructional supports and SETDA appreciates the bill’s focus on encouraging effective technology use and developing and adopting open educational resources.
The Innovation for Tomorrow’s Workforce Act of 2016 strives for equity in Career and Technical Education by prioritizing grant awards to schools that serve students from low-income families,” noted Tracy Weeks, SETDA Executive Director. “Increased numbers of students need access to high quality, high impact CTE programs to prepare for success after high school graduation.
The National Association of State Boards of Education
NASBE commends Senator Hatch and Senator Bennet for fighting to advance CTE education. Innovative, high quality career and technical education will prepare more students for later economic success. It also offers important academic benefits and increases college access and completion. NASBE strongly supports the bill’s focus on better aligning programs with workforce needs, integrating academic and CTE content, and supporting greater use of open educational resources. We hope Congress approves the measure this year, along with broader CTE reauthorization legislation.
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Hatch Presses Administration for Answers on Immigration Failures
Washington, D.C.—Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the senior Republican in the United States Senate, joined fellow members of the Senate Judiciary Committee to send a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Attorney General Loretta Lynch following a Department of Homeland Security Inspector General’s report that revealed that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted citizenship to at least 858 individuals who were marked for deportation.
The senators wrote, “Citizenship is a privilege that cannot be obtained through fraud, accident, or oversight. Yet, according to this IG report, that is precisely what has happened."
“According to the report, USCIS granted citizenship despite not having digital fingerprint records to aid with the necessary identity verification,” the senators wrote. “Thus, these applicants, many of whom lied on their applications, may not have been eligible for citizenship. This is particularly troubling given these new citizens’ ability to obtain security clearances, serve in law enforcement, sponsor other aliens’ entry into the United States, and hold positions of public trust. In fact, the report found that one citizen is now a law enforcement official and at least three obtained licenses to conduct security sensitive work.”
Last January, Hatch called for increased vigilance in enforcing our nation’s immigration laws. Hatch said, “As recent terrorist attacks in San Bernardino and elsewhere have made clear, the Islamic State and its followers aim to infiltrate our country and kill innocent Americans. In confronting the refugee crisis in the Middle East, we need to ensure that in welcoming refugees our nation isn’t taken advantage of by terrorists.”
In their letter, the senators pressed for specific answers on what the administration will do to correct the error and avoid repeating the same mistake in the future.
The full letter, as prepared for transmission, is attached and below. :
September 20, 2016
VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION
The Honorable Jeh Johnson
Secretary
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Washington, D.C. 20528
The Honorable Loretta Lynch
Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
Washington, D.C. 20530
Dear Secretary Johnson and Attorney General Lynch:
We write today regarding a disturbing Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (DHS OIG) report that found U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted citizenship to at least 858 individuals from special interest countries or countries with high rates of immigration fraud, who had final deportation orders under another identity.
According to the report, USCIS granted citizenship despite not having digital fingerprint records to aid with the necessary identity verification. Thus, these applicants, many of whom lied on their applications, may not have been eligible for citizenship. This is particularly troubling given these new citizens’ ability to obtain security clearances, serve in law enforcement, sponsor other aliens’ entry into the United States, and hold positions of public trust. In fact, the report found that one citizen is now a law enforcement official and at least three obtained licenses to conduct security sensitive work.
Although USCIS’s procedures require checking applicant’s fingerprints against DHS and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) digital fingerprint repositories, many older fingerprints taken on paper cards had not yet been digitized and therefore, were not subsequently added to the DHS database (IDENT). When USCIS queried the database for these applicants, fingerprint records for the 858 were unavailable and officials were unable to find all potentially derogatory information, including outstanding removal orders and evidence of fraud. Further, the report found that the FBI fingerprint database (NGI) was also missing records because DHS officials did not always forward fingerprints to the FBI after an immigration encounter. Therefore, these 858 were naturalized without being fully vetted. In fact, DHS has yet to review files for 148,000 aliens with final removal orders who were criminals or fugitives in order to retrieve and digitize old fingerprint cards. Unfortunately, these concerns are not new. The Department has had problems with digitizing its records and effectively communicating and streamlining information sharing since 2008, and we have continually called on the Department to ensure adequate protections and safeguards.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) sets forth criteria that individuals must meet in order to be eligible for citizenship. Lying under oath about identity or immigration history as well as having a final deportation order may render an applicant ineligible. Additionally, under the INA, naturalization can be revoked if citizenship was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation. According to the IG report, however, only 122 cases have been investigated, and the US Attorney’s Office (USAO) has accepted only two cases for prosecution.
Citizenship is a privilege that cannot be obtained through fraud, accident, or oversight. Yet, according to this IG report, that is precisely what has happened. Accordingly, to better understand the circumstances surrounding this report and what actions are being taken to mitigate the damage, please answer the following questions no later than October 3, 2016. Please also provide knowledgeable staff to brief our staff as soon as possible.
We anticipate that your written reply and any responsive documents will be unclassified. Please send all unclassified material directly to the Committee. In keeping with the requirements of Executive Order 13526, if any of the responsive documents do contain classified information, please segregate all unclassified material within the classified documents, provide all unclassified information directly to the Committee, and provide a classified addendum to the Office of Senate Security. Although the Committee complies with all laws and regulations governing the handling of classified information, it is not bound, absent its prior agreement, by any handling restrictions or instructions on unclassified information unilaterally asserted by the Executive Branch.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Should you have any questions, please contact Katherine Nikas of Judiciary Committee staff at (202) 224- 5225.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley Orrin G. Hatch
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee United States Senator
Jeff Sessions Lindsey O. Graham
United States Senator United States Senator
John Cornyn Michael S. Lee
United States Senator United States Senator
Ted Cruz Jeff Flake
United States Senator United States Senator
David Vitter David A. Perdue
United States Senator United States Senator
Thom Tillis
United States Senator
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Media Advisory: Hatch’s Utah Tech Tour with Apple CEO Tim Cook
Washington, D.C.—Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, will host Apple CEO Tim Cook in a special Q&A session with members of the Utah tech community on Sept. 30th at the Grand America in Salt Lake City. Prior to Cook’s remarks, the audience will have the opportunity to hear from some of Utah’s top tech leaders. The event will be open to media.
Senator Hatch and Tim Cook in Hatch’s Senate Office
Who:
Senator Orrin Hatch, Apple CEO Tim Cook
What:
Special Q&A Session
When:
Friday September 30 at 5:30 PM (doors open at 5pm)
Where:
Imperial Ballroom – Grand America
Media:
The event will be open to media, RSVP required.
RSVP to Matt_Whitlock@hatch.senate.gov by Friday at 6 PM MST.
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As United Nations Focuses on Superbugs, Hatch Highlights PATH Act
Washington, D.C.—As the 193 member countries of the United Nations prepare to sign and accept a draft declaration to globally fight superbugs, Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the longest-serving member and former chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, highlighted the importance of the PATH Act—a bipartisan proposal that would create a new drug approval pathway to streamline access, bolster innovation, and encourage development of potentially life-saving antibiotic drugs for patients.
The UN resolution calls on countries to commit to a global plan that would prevent the spread of microbes resistant to antimicrobial drugs. It also encourages governments to monitor the spread of these bacteria and explore new models to support innovation.
“Today, the United Nations has recognized that drug-resistant bacteria poses a critical threat to global health,” Hatch said. “Sixty-three percent of infectious disease doctors have treated patients with infections that did not respond to any antibiotics. Two million Americans acquire serious infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria each year, and 23,000 people die annually from these infections. A dearth of antibiotic drugs in development compounds this crisis. Consider that almost three decades have passed without the discovery of new types of antibiotics. We need the PATH Act to help develop new antibiotics to treat the most serious of superbugs.”
Background
“Superbugs”—or bacteria that are substantially resistant or unresponsive to any existing and available antibiotic—are an increasingly urgent public health threat, both at home and abroad. While antibiotic-resistant bacteria kills thousands of Americans each year, less than ten new antibiotics have made it to market since 2000. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is also a significant concern to our troops, affecting more than a third of returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
In an effort to address some of the significant regulatory obstacles hindering antibiotic development and patient access to life-saving treatments, the Promise for Antibiotics and Therapeutics for Health (PATH) Act would permit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve an antibacterial drug for a limited patient population upon determining that the drug treats a serious or life-threatening condition and addresses an unmet need. In addition, the bill includes several provisions to guide appropriate use of antibiotics approved under this pathway, such as labeling and promotional material requirements.
Letters of Support:
Advisory: Hatch to Pay Tribute to Justice Clarence Thomas 25 Years After Senate Confirmation
Washington, D.C.—Today at approximately 2:35 p.m. EST, Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, the senior Republican and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, will deliver a speech on the Senate floor paying tribute to Justice Clarence Thomas 25 years after his confirmation to the Supreme Court.
You can follow the speech on C-SPAN and on Twitter using the hashtag #JusticeThomas25.
Watch the speech live on C-Span 2
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Hatch, Booker Call for the Creation of a Presidential Youth Council
Washington, D.C.—Senators Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Cory Booker, D-N.J., issued the following statements following the introduction of a resolution calling for the creation of a Presidential Youth Council, which will serve as a bipartisan, bicameral federal advisory committee comprised of 24 young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. The Council will advise the President and Members of Congress on new federal policies and programs that pertain to and affect American youth.
“Young adults deserve a government that represents their interests, which is why we are calling for the creation of a Presidential Youth Council.” Sen. Hatch said. “This committee will involve future leaders in the political process from an early age, encouraging responsible citizenship and civic participation in a new generation of Americans. Because the laws we enact now will have a lasting impact on our children, both Congress and the White House should consider the views of America’s youth.”
“Our democracy’s strength relies upon the vigorous discussion of policy and ideas by all of its citizens. The Presidential Youth Council will provide a much needed voice for a group of Americans whose concerns all too often go unheard. The millennial generation will be faced with some of the greatest challenges of this century, and it is only fitting that these young people and generations to come be given a vehicle by which they can convey their valuable insights and new approaches to problem-solving directly to the highest levels of our government,” Sen. Booker said.
Council members will be appointed by the leadership of both parties and all official recommendations will require the formal agreement of two thirds of all members.
The Council will be funded by private donations in a public-private partnership that will have no impact on the federal budget.
The Council will reflect the geographic, racial, socioeconomic, and philosophical diversity of America. While the Council will be comprised of civic-minded individuals, it will also seek to leverage the perspective of individuals with career aspirations outside of and within the realm of politics.
Statements of Support
Natalie Callahan, Chair, Utah Federation of College Republicans
"This is a great opportunity for millennials to get involved in the policy part of politics. Young adults have specific insights and fresh ideas that will be beneficial for our political leaders to consider. As the laws passed now will affect millennials longer than the previous generation, it is vital young people are involved in the decision-making process. I'm excited to see this program succeed.”
Carol McNamara, Director Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service,
“To sustain a healthy democratic republic, government requires broad inter-generational support, the thoughtful and creative application of ideas, and the willingness to engage in a robust exchange of diverse ideas on the part of active citizens. A bipartisan Presidential Youth council will create a Millennial and Digital Native (born after 2000) Brain Trust to ensure that the next generation of voters understands the policy challenges that confront them now and in the future and that they are engaged in developing the solutions that will shape their future.”
Kari Holfheins, Director, Utah American Legion Girls State Director
The youth have a passion and ability through presenting many bills written for Girls Nation that would greatly benefit this country. I am in full support of this resolution in giving youth a voice to council with the President for recommendations, and implementation of federal policies affecting this nation and its future.
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Media Advisory: Hatch to Speak and Hold Brief Media Availability at UVU on Monday
Washington, D.C.—On Monday, September 26 at 9:00 a.m., the Center for the Study of Ethics at Utah Valley University will present Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, with the Excellence in Ethics Award in recognition of his efforts to defend moral principles over many years of public service. Following the award ceremony, Senator Hatch will deliver a speech and then hold a brief media availability.
From Utah Valley University:
The honorable Senator Orrin G. Hatch is the recipient of the 23rd annual Excellence in Ethics Award. He will be presented with the award by President Matthew Holland and the Center for the Study of Ethics on September 26 at 9 a.m. in Classroom Building room 511 at Utah Valley University (UVU). This event is open to the public.
This annual award is presented to an individual who demonstrates superior ethical judgement professionally and personally through leadership, civic activity and personal example. This individual is active in writing, speaking planning and accomplishing activities that upgrade the ethical and moral fiber of the community.
“This non-partisan award is presented to Senator Hatch for his continual public service, vision and ethical strength,” said Elaine Englehardt, Distinguished Professor of Ethics at Utah Valley University. “Senator Hatch will also be on hand to give a keynote address at the “Ethics Jubilee—a celebration honoring the Ethics and Values core course at UVU,” she added.
Orrin G. Hatch is the most senior Republican in the Senate. He is now in his seventh term as Utah’s U.S. Senator. He has shown his commitment to service by sponsoring numerous initiatives and bills. The Senator has sponsored 30 bills, five of which are resolutions.
Known for his ability to foster public good by working with republicans and democrats alike, the Senator has co-sponsored 155 bills, 51 of which are resolutions. Among his many initiatives are the Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution, the Strengthening Our Commitment to Legal Immigration and America’s Security Act, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act, and the Utah School Trust Lands Exchange Act.
Senator Hatch is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He is also a member (and former Chairman) of the Judiciary Committee; a member (and former Chairman) of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee; and a member of the Joint Committee on Taxation. He also has the honor of serving on the Board of Directors for the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
Orrin G. Hatch was born on March 22, 1934, to Jesse and Helen Hatch. He married Elaine Hansen in 1957, and they are the proud parents of six children, 23 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Who:
Senator Orrin Hatch
What:
Receiving Utah Valley University’s "Excellence in Ethics" award
When:
Monday September 26th at 9:00 AM
Where:
Classroom Building room 511 at Utah Valley University
