Senate OKs name of Hansen building

WASHINGTON — The Senate has given final approval to name Ogden's federal building after former Rep. Jim Hansen, R-Utah.

It approved a bill to do that Monday night by unanimous consent. The House approved it earlier this year on a 418-0 vote. The measure now goes to President Bush for signature.

"The name of Jim Hansen will bring a level of trust, a level of fairness and a level of understanding to all who enter this building," Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said. "His name will continue to be synonymous with excellence in public service in Utah."

The bill was introduced by Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, and is co-sponsored by Reps. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, and Jim Matheson, D-Utah.

The building at 324 25th Street in Ogden will be renamed the James V. Hansen Federal Building. Appropriately, Hansen had an office there for the 22 years that he served in the House, from 1981 to 2003.

Hansen chaired two House committees in his long career: the Resources Committee and the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. He also served longer in the House than any other Utahn.