POLITICS + GOVERNMENT

Utah’s new senator, Mitt Romney, talks about the job ahead

Jan 3, 2019, 9:16 AM | Updated: 9:28 am

mitt romney new senator...

(Photo: Gene Sweeney Jr., Associated Press)

(Photo: Gene Sweeney Jr., Associated Press)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Utah’s newest senator, Republican Mitt Romney, is speaking out ahead of his swearing-in ceremony on Thursday.

“The first item that will be considered by the Senate is, of course, that the government is (partially) shut down,” he said.

After Romney joins Congress, he says there should be an effort in the Senate to quickly get the government operating again.

“Not just for the many federal employees who deserve a paycheck, but also the many people who visit our national parks, and the businesses who cater to those parks,” he said.

Romney also told KSL Newsradio that he felt he needed to say upfront what kinds of things he was looking for from the president, and that’s why he wrote this week’s op-ed in the Washington Post.

“I think a great deal of what makes America the country we are, is the qualities of character exhibited by our presidents,” he said.

“I will work with the president on a friendly basis — we’ve known each other a long time and have friendly relations — but I will also work with him on a policy front the same way I would with any president, even one who is not in my party,” said Romney. “I hope we’ll also have many places where we can find common ground, despite the fact that we will have disagreements.”

He also told us he is not going to run again for president, and he’ll see who the alternatives are in 2020 before he decides whether he will endorse President Trump for re-election or another candidate.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Politics + Government

A TikTok content creator, sits outside the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, April 23, 2024....

HALELUYA HADERO AP Business Writer

Senate passes bill forcing TikTok parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature

The Senate passed legislation that would force the parent company of TikTok to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban.

1 hour ago

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill on April 17. The Senate wi...

Morgan Rimmer and Ted Barrett, CNN

Senate passes $95 billion package sending aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after months of delay

The Senate on Tuesday passed a long-delayed $95 billion package after both sides of Capitol Hill have struggled for months to send aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan.

3 hours ago

A law passed by Utah lawmakers requires that people use the bathroom corresponding to the sex on th...

Heather Peterson

Board of Education: Districts must explain bathroom law

Explanation of a Utah law governing school bathroom use, about to take effect in Utah, will be left up to individual school districts.

3 hours ago

ftc building shown, a new rule would bar noncompete agreements for most...

CHRISTOPHER RUGABER, Associated Press

New federal rule would bar ‘noncompete’ agreements for most employees

FTC officials asserted that noncompete agreements harm workers by reducing their ability to switch jobs for higher pay.

5 hours ago

tank fires at troops in ukraine, sen mike lee is trying to kill a foreign aid bill in the senate...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

Utah Sen. Mike Lee rallying Senate to kill foreign aid bill for Ukraine, Israel

Sen. Mike Lee has repeatedly criticized efforts to send further military and economic aid to Ukraine.

15 hours ago

former president trump, hush money trial opening statement started monday...

MICHAEL R. SISAK, JENNIFER PELTZ, ERIC TUCKER and JAKE OFFENHARTZ

Trump tried to ‘corrupt’ the 2016 election, prosecutor alleges as hush money trial gets underway

The opening statements in the hush money trial marked the first time that prosecutors have presented a criminal case against a former president to a jury.

2 days ago

Sponsored Articles

a doctor putting her hand on the chest of her patient...

Intermountain Health

Intermountain nurse-midwives launch new gynecology access clinic

An access clinic launched by Intermountain nurse-midwives provides women with comprehensive gynecology care.

Young couple hugging while a realtor in a suit hands them keys in a new home...

Utah Association of Realtors

Buying a home this spring? Avoid these 5 costly pitfalls

By avoiding these pitfalls when buying a home this spring, you can ensure your investment will be long-lasting and secure.

a person dressed up as a nordic viking in a dragon boat resembling the bear lake monster...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Legend of the Bear Lake Monster

The Bear Lake monster has captivated people in the region for centuries, with tales that range from the believable to the bizarre.

...

Live Nation Concerts

All the artists coming to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) this summer

Summer concerts are more than just entertainment; they’re a celebration of life, love, and connection.

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

Utah’s new senator, Mitt Romney, talks about the job ahead