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As 2024 begins, Senator Romney released a report detailing the policy and constituent services highlights from the past year. Major legislative highlights included enactment of Romney bills that equip the U.S. to better counter the rise of China, bolster the role Utah plays in our national defense, and advance efforts to bring a passport agency to Salt Lake City. Senator Romney also pushed forward legislation to rein in federal spending and stabilize the national debt, protect children from the harmful effects of social media, and address water and wildfire challenges facing Utah and the West.

This year presented both new challenges and opportunities. Ukraine continued to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked invasion; Hamas-led terrorist attacks against the people of Israel have sparked a war in Gaza; and political divisions in America have caused greater gridlock and more partisan posturing in Washington. Withstanding these difficulties, Senator Romney pushed forward on his priorities to help support Utah’s infrastructure needs, address continued drought conditions in the West, combat the growing China threat, stabilize our burgeoning public debt, and support democracies, like Israel and Ukraine, in the face of tyranny.

I’m reminded of Abraham Lincoln’s words, during his second inaugural address when the country was in the final pangs of the Civil War: “With malice toward none with charity for all with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation’s wounds.” During this holiday season, may we commit ourselves to being agents in binding up the wounds of our time—starting in our own families, neighborhoods, and communities. It’s my wish that Utahns, and all Americans, can find long-lasting peace, joy, and hope in their lives. Ann and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As China and Russia continue to expand their military capabilities, it’s essential that we make substantial investments in our own military and other national defense priorities. This week, Senator Romney helped pass the annual defense authorization bill, which included several provisions he authored to address threats from foreign adversaries, support our servicemembers, and expand passport services in Utah. He also secured committee passage of two pieces of legislation aimed to help us better understand the impacts of smartphones in classrooms, and welcomed progress on two Utah natural resource priorities.

China has ambitions to overtake the United States as the global leader, and they’re well on track to do so. This week, Senator Romney pressed the Administration’s Deputy Secretary of State nominee to enact a comprehensive strategy to address the China threat. He also welcomed a major highway infrastructure investment coming to Iron County funded by the bipartisan infrastructure bill, introduced legislation to combat the financing of terrorist groups like Hamas, and met with leaders from Utah to advance priorities for our state.

The United States’ public debt now exceeds $33.6 trillion, more than double what it was just 10 years ago! Without taking action now to tackle the debt, our country may find itself in a fiscal crisis akin to those of countries like Greece and Italy years ago. This week, Senator Romney continued to push forward his bipartisan Fiscal Stability Act, which aims to repair America’s broken finances, by testifying at the House Budget Committee hearing on the need for a fiscal commission.

Among the many elements that contribute to America’s greatness, there are two that Senator Romney promoted this week both in word and deed—the nation’s ability to lead the free world amid authoritarian aggression, and, related, our economic vitality and stability. He joined thousands in marching along the National Mall to show support for Israel and condemn antisemitism, led a hearing focused on preventing government fraud, and saw growing support for his bipartisan effort to tackle the nation’s mounting public debt.

“I’ve consistently found myself heartened and inspired to associate with these patriotic heroes. To all veterans, thank you not only for your military service to our country, but for your continued service to your families and communities. Utah is what it is—the best state in which to live, work, and raise a family—because of you.”

America has long been considered the leader of the free world—a role that requires continued commitment to supporting democracy, countering authoritarianism, and promoting freedom globally. The U.S. must not waver in this resolve, especially as countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea have garnered greater geopolitical influence amid attacks on democratic nations. We are a safer, and more prosperous, nation when we lead from a position of strength. This week, Senator Romney continued to push for aid to Ukraine and Israel, made efforts to counter antisemitism on American college campuses, and pressed the Biden Administration on their complete failure at the southern border.

Senator Romney helped move forward important priorities for the Beehive State—including a program to bolster Utah’s critical mineral production, as well as an effort to support Utah’s conservation efforts amid federal government overreach. He also met with housing leaders to discuss solutions to increase access to affordable housing in Utah.

As the people of Israel have been brutally attacked by Hamas, the Iran-backed terrorist regime, Senator Romney has worked tirelessly to affirm the United States’ role in standing with Israel and protecting free democracies around the world. Following a bipartisan trip to Israel this weekend, the Senator cosponsored legislation to condemn Hamas, underscored the need for Israel to eliminate Hamas with the nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and met with officials from Tibet on supporting Tibetans’ basic rights amid the CCP’s oppression.

There is no doubt that authoritarianism is on the rise around the world—which poses a great threat to global freedom and our national security. This week, Senator Romney leveraged his Senate Foreign Relations Committee assignments to advance priorities on countering threats posed by the authoritarian regimes in countries like China, Russia, and North Korea. He also met with a prominent conservancy group in Utah to discuss collaborative efforts to save the shrinking Great Salt Lake.