2-2-07 | Stephenson calls for yoke on U.S. senators

SB202 Would allow the Legislature to give formal direction to Utah's two U.S. senators. Next step: Will be assigned to a Senate committee. Directions from Legislature? Draper Republican Sen. Howard Stephenson is disgusted by the actions of Congress and the mere "lip service" he hears from Utah's congressional delegation. And while his direct assault on the 17th Amendment last year failed, he is back with a new bill to infuse the state Legislature with some direct influence over Utah's two U.S. senators. Stephenson's proposal would allow lawmakers to give "formal direction" to Sens. Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett, then direct the senators to respond. And if the Legislature is not in session to make these requests, a majority of lawmakers could sign a letter that would be known as "The Sense of the Legislature."

Last year's legislation sought a "soft repeal" of the 17th Amendment, which allowed the people to elect senators. Before that the Legislature appointed senators. Just like last year, Hatch is not pleased with Stephenson's attempt.
"There's no question that the state and federal legislatures must work together closely to advance the interests of Utah's citizens," he said. "But, frankly, I don't think we need legislation to achieve that." That informal relationship has failed, Stephenson said. "We speak and they pretend to listen," he said. "The most glaring problem is the illegal immigration issue." Stephenson complains employers have no tools to check the legal status of employees, the government has no procedures for guest worker visas and the border remains "porous."
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* Tribune reporter ROBERT GEHRKE contributed to this story.

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