Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) paid tribute to Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT)—the Committee’s senior member and former Chairman—to commemorate his 40 years of service on the Committee.
Chairman Grassley noted that in that time, “Hatch has penned more than 500 bills that have been referred to the Judiciary Committee, They’ve tackled a number of important issues that range from preventing child abuse and exploitations to protecting seniors from scam artists. He’s fought for religious freedom, defended intellectual property rights, and led efforts to combat terrorism.”
Remarks from Chairman Grassley
I want to take a moment to recognize a very major milestone by one of our colleagues on the committee. This is all about Senator Hatch, because he recently eclipsed his 40th year serving on the Judiciary Committee.
Senator Hatch joined the committee February 22, 1977. Since then he has penned more than 500 bills that have been referred to the Judiciary committee. They’ve tackled a number of important issues that range from preventing child abuse and exploitations to protecting seniors from scam artists. He’s fought for religious freedom, defended intellectual property rights, and led efforts to combat terrorism.
He’s been very successful in these efforts because 147 of his Judiciary Committee bills have won senate approval, and 69 now bear a President’s signature. During Senator Hatch’s service on this committee, the Senate has confirmed what my staff has researched to be 1,866 Article III judges.
He also held the gavel of this committee for more than 8 years.
Remarks from Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein
This is really a great treat for me because I’ve served on this committee for 24 years and served with Senator Hatch. In the course of those years, we’ve had occasion to work on a number of different issues.
Senator Hatch was really quite wonderful during this committee’s long debate on immigration reform. My part of the bill was that particular part, and we had numerous meetings negotiating it. Senator Hatch, you always showed up, you were always interested. And as you know, it’s not the least controversial of subjects we deal with in our time. We haven’t’ always agreed, but there’s never been a disagreeable moment. You are truly a gentlemen, and I deeply believe that you are my friend.
I thank you for your friendship, your collegiality, and your leadership on this committee.
