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• Republican Orrin Hatch has represented Utah in the U.S. Senate since 1977. In his first year in the Senate, Hatch led the longest legislative filibuster in Senate history. The delay tactic was used against the Labor Law Reform Act.

  In his address to Congress in February 24, 2009, President Barack Obama praised Hatch's proposed "Serve America Act" (co-sponsored by Hatch and Senator Ted Kennedy) and asked the Congress to send him the bill to sign.Huffington Post: Full text of President Obama's address (February 24, 2009) The bill is dedicated to opening up new opportunities for Americans to volunteer in the education and health care systems.AARP: Hatch, Kennedy Propose "Serve America Act" September 12, 2008) The bill passed a Senate committee on March 17, 2009. The same day, a similar bill named Give Act was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Serve America Act was approved in the Senate on March 26, 2009 by a vote of 79 to 19.Salt Lake City Tribune: Senate passes Kennedy-Hatch service bill (March 26, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Spouse: Elaine Hatch
  2. Alma mater: Brigham Young University
  3. Studied law at University of Pittsburgh
  4. Religion: Mormon
  5. Senator since 1977
  6. Also a poet and musician
  7. His song Heal Our Land was performed at the inauguration of President George W. Bush
  8. Wrote a song for Ted Kennedy in July 2008

• Terrorist Surveillance Bill Passed

  On July 9, 2008, the Senate passed a bill that grants immunity to phone companies participating in anti-terrorist wiretapping. This is a success for Hatch; he has pushed for recognition of these companies in the past, saying that they "[deserve] a round of applause and a helping hand."The Salt Lake Tribune: Senate wiretaps vote a big victory ... Sen. Hatch (July 10, 2008)

• Attorney General

  It had been suggested that Hatch, who studied law at the University of Pittsburgh, might replace Alberto Gonzales as Attorney General following his resignation in the aftermath of the U.S. Attorney scandal, though the position eventually went to Michael Mukasey.

• Hatch and Controversy

  Hatch stirred controversy in 2006 during a speech on the floor of the Senate when he suggested that terrorists would prefer Democrats to take control of Congress over the Republicans. He has also upset members of his own party by opposing them on crucial issues such as immigration policy and stem cell research.

• Musical Career

  Hatch is an accomplished poet and musician who has written several published songs for other artists, and once managed the folk group "The Free Agency." One of his songs, "Heal Our Land," was performed at the 2005 inauguration of President George W. Bush.

  In July of 2008, Hatch wrote a song for Ted Kennedy, to be played at the Democratic Convention. Hatch called Kennedy a "special person."First Read: Convention watch: No tailgating... (July 16, 2008)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Bob Bennett | Chuck Hagel | Harry Reid | Dick Lugar | Christopher Dodd | Barack Obama | John McCain | Mitt Romney

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