WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley today made the following statement at a Judiciary Committee executive business meeting celebrating Senator Orrin Hatch’s (R-Utah) 40th anniversary of joining the committee. Hatch joined the committee on February 22, 1977.
“I want to take a moment to recognize a major milestone by one of our colleagues on the Committee. Senator Hatch recently eclipsed his 40th year serving on the Judiciary Committee. He is the Committee’s longest serving Republican and its second-longest serving Senator.
“Senator Hatch joined the committee on February 22, 1977. Since then he has penned more than 500 bills that have been referred here. They’ve tackled a wide range of important issues 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. And he’s been very successful in these efforts. One hundred forty-seven of his Judiciary Committee bills have won Senate approval, and 69 of them now bear a President’s signature. During Senator Hatch’s service on this committee, the Senate has confirmed 1866 Article III judges. He also held the gavel for more than 8 years, serving as chairman from 1995 to 2001.
“Senator Hatch, Thank you for all your great work not only for this committee, but for the Senate and the people it serves. Congratulations on this significant achievement,” Grassley said.
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